Our common humanity calls on each of us to speak out against racism, violence, prejudice and hatred.
– Stephen V Sundborg, president, Seattle University
FIRSTLY, let me say I believe I’m not the only one who does not understand what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is really up to these days.
Whenever a conversation about the nonagenarian cropped up among friends over breakfast or lunch, most of us will be shaking our heads, as if in disbelief or even shame, over the numerous atrocious statements made by the two-time former prime minister.
Question. How should a man spend his days at 98 if he is blessed to live up to that age? You and I know what to do. Take it easy, man, one day at a time. Every morning when you wake up, be happy and thank God for giving you another day.
But Mahathir at 98? Goodness gracious – he is still in the thick of things, not only at home but also abroad. As I write this, Mahathir has just returned home from London after attending an event in his honour.
No, do not expect a strong character like Mahathir to listen to others, his family members included, that his work is done and he should take life easy in happy retirement.
I believe that even his children wouldn’t dare whisper that into his ears as they should know their father. Nobody tells Mahathir what to do. When he talks to you, you listen. It’s one-way traffic!
In Mahathir’s own words, “as long as there is life”, he will continue to speak up on issues that matter to him.
Of course, we welcome Mahathir’s advice and words of wisdom as he is considered a statesman who should be respected.
Alas, we did not hear of any meaningful advice from him of late.
Unfortunately, Mahathir has veered off-course to talk about racial and religious issues in confrontational tones similar to those of racists and bigots. This is something which many find hard to accept from a man of Mahathir’s stature.
I find them shocking, unacceptable and unbecoming as some of his words sounded wicked and cruel against those not of his race.
Mahathir’s recent “Malay Proclamation” which was to save the Malays and Islam (from who and what, I’m not sure) is one such episode which did not sit down well with many, including a segment of the Malay community as well.
I was glad that the GPS government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has stayed clear of Mahathir’s many “uncomfortable” pronouncements, the Malay Proclamation included.
I must say that I’m somewhat exhausted listening and reading Mahathir’s rants that I sent this message to several of my editor friends a few days ago:
“I think the media should stop attending Dr Mahathir’s press conferences. Enough of his venom! If I’m still the editor of a newspaper today, be assured I will not be sending our reporters to cover Mahathir’s press conferences.”
A friend, not an editor, responded in agreement: “Dr Mahathir represents a dead hope, a corpse of an agenda. He lost his deposit in his own constituency in Langkawi where he was the incumbent MP. Doesn’t he get it? The media is being childish showcasing his failures.”
Even as a media practitioner myself, I have to nod in agreement with my friend’s comment of a childish media showcasing Mahathir’s failures.
Of course, I don’t expect the media to boycott Mahathir’s press conferences. There is this thing called press freedom which the press adheres firmly to. Everyone should be allowed to say what he thinks and that should be heard even if we don’t agree with it.
Then again, I can readily recall that the press, often referred to as the fourth estate, has always been reminded of its responsibility as it plays a crucial role in democratic societies.
Strangely, it was Mahathir himself while serving as prime minister who had often reminded journalists to avoid reporting on sensitive issues such as those on race and religion. So, who’s talking now!
As I was about to end this piece, I chanced upon an article in a national news portal of Mahathir arguing that promoting a multiracial Malaysia runs foul of the Federal Constitution.
The former premier again raised an issue close to his heart – the perceived danger of DAP to the Malays and Islam.
Oh, enough lah of your divisive politics, Mahathir! I will go no further on his latest statement bordering on the insane and ludicrosity.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
