sideviews

Do I want Dr Mahathir in a Renaissance? – Ice Cream Seller

March 06, 2016

Remember Tan Sri Tajuddin Ramli who helmed Malaysia Airlines (MAS)? Would you appoint him to resuscitate any airline – or company for that matter ?

I remain unconvinced (totally, I might add) that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has the attributes we need to help restore the nation to some credibility.

I studied history only till Form 3 – and frankly, didn't really learn much from it at my time in school – Victoria Institution (sorry Mrs Vaz, my mind was on sports and mischief)

However, after leaving school I found some interest in history because it helped shed light on things current at the time.

Today, I tell my children to learn from my history and that of others – avoid mistakes made, pick up pointers from successes achieved from friends, relatives, etc.

So coming from this, would I trust Dr Mahathir to “rehabilitate” Malaysia ?

Take 10

1) Constitution

During his 22 years, he had this amended – in spirit and word – to the point it has taken a different flavour from the original. It has become a mee mamak.

2) Judiciary

The pathetic state of the judiciary and the eunuchs who run it owe it to Dr Mahathir. Now, you rarely go to court to seek justice. Lawyers have become deal makers and actors.

3) Financial management

Dr Mahathir started the practice where the prime minister held (permanently) the Finance portfolio. So the incumbent today does the same. In a company, it is like leaving signed blank cheques around. There's a saying – monkey see, Monkey do. (For those who speak pseudo English, I'm not calling anyone a monkey!)

4) Police

This institution has morphed from protecting the people to frightening and intimidating the people. This happened under Dr Mahathir's watch whence he was also home minister. How many have died in police custody? Not to mention the numbers roughed up.

After qualifying and returning from my further studies, I entertained thoughts of joining the police force (then as a ASP) in the Commercial Crime division. Looking back, it was good that it was just thoughts.

5) Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn

What role he played in engineering the Tunku's departure and his subsequent own appointment as deputy prime minister despite the reticence of Tun Hussein should not be forgotten, even if Dr Mahathir chooses to do so.

6) Religion

More than anyone, it was Dr Mahathir who used religion, Islam in particular, to serve his own political objectives and consequently caused the chaos today where for example. the civil and shariah courts seem to collide. He provided the step ladder for the likes of the Perak mufti to be given a platform to strut on and for PAS to go beyond the Malay heartland. Does he have the gumption or means to control the demons he unleashed?

7) Sabah

One of his biggest sins – opening the floodgates to “aliens” to change the demographics of the state. Covertly and surreptitiously. The people of Sabah lost their “country” in front of their own eyes.

8) The 1MDBs of MM

Proton, Perwaja, Bank Negara forex losses, oil revenues from states are but a few of his own versions of 1MDB. The very township of Putrajaya was a sheer waste of Petronas reserves. An unnecessary exercise to copy Pretoria or Canberra in our wetlands has resulted in a town/city devoid of soul. Drive through and see the sheer number of unutilised and underutilised buildings and facilities. Today's incumbent is again repeating the same level of recklessness and disregard for accountability and financial prudence.

9) Education

Remember that Dr Mahathir was education minister. Under his watch, standards dropped and were compromised to meet quotas. English was sidelined but as prime minister, although he reverted Mathematics and sciences to English, the damage has proven impossible to reverse.

Listening to the radio and local TV shows in English can be off putting. DJs and announcers put on all kind of accents to camouflage their mediocrity. Even doctors who speak on radio can sound absurd.

Besides doctors, we have teachers, engineers, accountants, civil servants, police and army officers, ministers and even judges who are inept in English. Trace how they got to where they are and you will find the good doctor's fingerprints

10) Corruption

The motto “cash is king” had in roots from the time Dr Mahathir changed the fabric and soul of Umno. The stench and tentacles of corruption today is unprecedented. Everywhere you go – private sector, government, even the education sector with the hundreds of useless degree churning colleges and universities permeate the air we breathe.

Companies employ liaison officers, relationship managers and other similarly various titled positions primarily for greasing the various cogs of commerce and government.

If Dr Mahathir is willing to admit to his role in the destruction of the many institutions and the very soul of our country, willing to help bring about good governance and accountability, maybe he can contribute given the significant number of people who still follow his every word.

But I do not believe he will, and neither will I hold my breath

My own self taught study of history tells me so. I don't need to listen to anyone tell their sanitised version of his actions. I have lived and experienced it.

I hope time and events prove me wrong for Malaysia's sake. – March 6, 2016.

* Ice Cream Seller reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.