Dr. Mahathir’s shock resignation from UMNO right on Wesak Day sent rumbles through the Malaysian political scene. I saw it on the afternoon breaking news and I was shocked.
Then I saw the various reactions by UMNO leaders over the next few days and I wondered if it was not intentional on his part?
Dr. M has criticized Abdullah Badawi for his leadership. He wants him to step down for the sake of the country and the people. If you were to ask the man on the street, he’d probably tell you the same thing. Nothing good has come out of the Abdullah Badawi administration.
Nothing.
The General Elections were a disaster for the BN with huge losses to the Opposition, the government meddled with the Election Commission on the issue of the indelible ink, consumer product prices are sky rocketing, the economy is stagnant… we have a Prime Minister who can barely give a speech that doesn’t send everyone to sleep in an instant! I cannot stand listening to his speeches. I never know what he’s saying because he mumbles along and because his command of the English language is appalling.
UMNO has been split with detractors and supporters of Abdullah Badawi. This has further weakened the country. I am now wondering if Mahathir sees this and is using his resignation to force the party leaders to consolidate their position and close ranks?
Many people are saying this will further tear UMNO apart and that Dr. M is disloyal. I am just wondering if that is truly the case? The leaders now have a common enemy – Dr. M – and they will now have no choice but to close ranks and stand united. Is this what his ultimate aim is?
I don’t believe Dr. M does things rashly. He must have thought it out long and hard and he has more foresight than anyone gives him credit for. His 22 year rule was not without problems but he pulled Malaysia kicking and screaming into the new century with developments and you gotta admit he held us stable through the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis that we came out of relatively unscathed.
Say what you say, the man’s got vision. And that’s why I am wondering what he’s truly up to. At 82 years he’s still got the gumption to do things and the strength to act, unlike many other men of his age. For his foresight and his strength, I say kudos to him. I will now be watching developments with great interest to see if I’m right about what’s happening.
Note: I am just a kopitiam observer. I don’t know politics. Don’t jump on me if you don’t agree with what I say.