Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times Barry Wain (grave mercy .TXT) 📖

Dr. Mahathir's showpiece buildings and outspoken defence of Malaysia's interests, contributed to a sense of national identity, pride and confidence that had not existed before. He put Malaysia on the map, and most Malaysians were pleased about it.

With few illusions that he would be remembered fondly, Dr. Mahathir pointed out that people often change their opinions of leaders over time. Lawrence of Arabia, once a hero, was later "debunked", he said. In Dr. Mahathir's case, he would not be able to escape responsibility for many of the problems likely to plague Malaysian society in the future, from creeping Islamization to corruption and inequality. For while he held Malaysia together for 22 years, the political-administrative system atrophied and decayed under his personalized brand of governance. "People debunk so many things," he said. "That will happen to me also." Dr. Mahathir, approaching 83, paused and allowed himself a gentle smile: "But I won't be around to see it."[33]

Notes

"Malaysia's Mahathir to Quit", 25 June 2002, BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2064656.stm (accessed 27 January 2006).

"Regional Economy: Malaysia After Mahathir", Economist, 4 November 2003, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-11/04/content_278370.htm (accessed 1 November 2006).

Michael Vatikiotis, "The Last Hurrah", Far Eastern Economic Review, 3 July 2003, p. 12.

Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 20 March 2007.

Bridget Welsh, "Mahathir's Legacy: A New Society?", in Bridget Welsh, ed., Reflections: The Mahathir Years (Washington: Southeast Asia Studies Program, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 2004), p. 355.

Clive S. Kessler, "The Mark of the Man: Mahathir's Malaysia After Dr. Mahathir", in Reflections, p. 15.

Khoo Boo Teik, "Leaving UMNO the Mahathir Way 2: Mahathir and Abdullah", Aliran Online, 5 June 2008, http://www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=616:leaving-umno-the-mahathir-way-mahathir-andabdullah&catid=55:2008&Itemid=40 (accessed 29 August 2008).

Khoo Boo Teik, "Leaving UMNO the Mahathir Way 1: A Crumbled Trinity", Aliran Online, 3 June 2008, http://www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=611:leaving-umno-the-mahathir-way-a-crumbled-trinity&catid=55:2008&Itemid=40 (accessed 29 August 2008).

Ooi Kee Beng, "Malaysia's Culture of Politicisation Still Alive and Well", Opinion-Asia, 25 July 2008, http://www.opinionasia.org/Malaysiascultureofpoliticisationstillaliveandwell (accessed 27 August 2008).

The government announced in March 2009 that an investigation had cleared Musa and Ghani, a decision rejected by Anwar as a "cover-up". Agence France-Presse, "Anwar Beating: Two Top Officials Cleared of Wrongdoing", Straits Times, 12 March 2009.

Teo Cheng Wee, "Crisis of Confidence", Straits Times, 2 August 2008.

Maznah Mohamad, "Mahathir's Malay Question", in Reflections, p. 163.

Ooi Kee Beng, "When a Strongman Leaves...", Weekend Today, 26-27 July 2008.

Interview with Mahathir associate, 1 August 2008.

Interview with Abdullah Ahmad, 11 August 2008.

Khoo Boo Teik, "Leaving UMNO the Mahathir Way: Fearful Scenario", Aliran Online, 10 June 2008, http:///www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=624:-leaving-umno-the-mahathir-way-fearful-scenario&catid=55:2008&Itemid=40 (accessed 29 August 2008).

John Funston, "UMNO: What Legacy Will Mahathir Leave?", in Reflections, p. 136.

Khoo Boo Teik, "Leaving UMNO the Mahathir Way: Fearful Scenario".

John Funston, "UMNO: What Legacy Will Mahathir Leave?", in Reflections, p. 138.

Ibid., p. 139.

Abdullah Ahmad, "Still Relevant, Still Strong: But for How Long?", Off the Edge, July 2008, p. 36.

Tunku Abdul Aziz, "Waking Up from the Lost Ethical Years", 15 June 2008, http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/Columns/2267622 (accessed 16 June 2008).

Ibid.

"Mahathir and Judge Trade Barbs in Worsening Public Spat", Straits Times, 27 June 2008.

Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, "Malaysia: The Way Forward", in Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, ed., Malaysia's Vision 2020: Understanding the Concept, Implications and Challenges (Petaling Jaya: Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd., 1997 edition), p. 405.

Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 29 March 2007.

David Camroux, "Mahathir: National Hero, Global Bad Boy", EurAsia Bulletin Vol. 7, Oct-Nov 2003, pp. 9-11, http://www.eias.org/publications/bulletin/2003/octnov03/eboctnov03.pdf (accessed 27 August 2008).

Proved reserves to current production levels in 2008: 19.4 years of oil and 40.9 years of gas. Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2008, London. Arguing against subsidies to keep the retail price of fuel low, the Malaysian government said in early 2008 that oil and gas reserves would run out by 2010: Bernama, Agence France-Presse, "Abdullah Refutes Claims of Being Weak", Straits Times, 4 March 2008.

Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 20 March 2007.

Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 31 March 2008.

Fauwaz Abdul Aziz, "Mahathir Vents Frustration on DVD, Pt 2", 12 May 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/50975 (accessed 27 May 2006).

Eddin Khoo and Jason Tan, "Nothing Personal: Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on Legacy", Off the Edge, February 2007, p. 41.

Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 31 March 2008.

Photos

Before politics: The youngest of nine children, Mahathir learned the value of discipline, hard work and self-improvement from his father. He entered the national political arena to help fellow Malays claim their share of the nation's wealth.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

Life-long union: Mahathir married Siti Hasmah, his first and only girlfriend, after they met as medical students at university. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2008.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

A partnership: Although she steered clear of politics, Siti Hasmah was never far from her husband's side. She accompanied Mahathir to party gatherings, political rallies and social functions, often travelling abroad with him as well.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

Hands on: After he became prime minister, Mahathir took a personal interest in nearly every aspect of Malaysian life. Here, he and Siti Hasmah inspect Malay textiles at a craft centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Source: Information Department, Malaysia

In tune: Mahathir and Siti Hasmah had good voices and enjoyed singing, entertaining guests with a duet on special occasions. His theme song was My Way, a title reflecting natural instincts that were obvious from childhood.

Source: Information Department, Malaysia

Off duty: Despite total immersion in politics, Mahathir effectively separated political activity from his professional, social and family life. He did not discuss current political events, no matter how momentous, with Siti Hasmah and their children.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

Formal sitting: Siti Hasmah was described by a family friend as the "quintessence of gentleness and grace", an opinion widely shared. It was hard for anyone meeting her to believe Mahathir could be as ruthless as his record suggested.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

Precious moments: Mahathir adhered to a rigid routine to get the most out of each day. He used his defeat in the 1969 election