Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing is questioning the rationale behind Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision to contest for the post of prime minister under Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next general election (GE14).
Dr Mahathir, who was announced as the pick for prime minister during the Pakatan Harapan 2018 convention in Shah Alam on Jan 7, accepted the candidacy despite questions being raised on his capabilities and age.
“Tun Mahathir at 93 wants to return as the prime minister? Why did he quit in the first place? The reason is simple, he wants either his son or the person he can control to be the PM (prime minister),” said Masing when prompted by The Borneo Post to comment on Dr Mahathir’s candidacy.
“He shall not be allowed to push his way around. Malaysia is not ‘dia bapa punya!’ (Malaysia is not his father’s!),” added Masing, who is also PRS president.
Also interviewed was SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian who stressed that the future of Malaysia is with the young.
“Leadership is very demanding and you must be physically and mentally fit,” said Dr Sim, citing the ongoing debate on the mental health of US President Donald Trump.
He regarded Dr Mahathir’s decision as a ‘U-turn’ from the current practice of the opposition leadership in Penang and Selangor.
“(This is) a very uncharacteristic practice from the opposition at best… and betrays the citizens at worst,” said Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing.
He added that Sarawakians would never forget what Dr Mahathir had done when he was prime minister for 22 years. That had angered them.
“If we never learn from history, we never wake up from day dreaming and recognise the character of a person. Sarawakians will have ourselves to blame for the suffering,” emphasised Dr Sim.
Also sharing his thoughts was Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who said the decision by PH leaders to select Dr Mahathir as the prime minister candidate was a disservice to Malaysians.
“PH is doing a disservice to Malaysians and taking Malaysians for a ride! Tun Mahathir had his days as prime minister. He should be left alone to spend the rest of his life as a ‘statesman’ for Malaysians to seek advice and opinion,” said the Asajaya assemblyman.
He added that at 93 years old, it is just crazy to be a chief executive officer or a prime minister of a nation where the work load is very heavy.
“Can’t PH think of this … or are they trying to hoodwink Malaysians by riding on Tun Mahathir’s popularity and choosing him as prime minister designate?” he asked.
However, on a lighter note, Abdul Karim acknowledged that people had a certain degree of respect for Tun Mahathir for his contributions to modernise Malaysia during his reign as prime minister for 22 years.
“But ‘recalling’ him back to be prime minister at age 93 must be the most absurd decision. Leave him in peace and let him enjoy his last few years – look for a younger vibrant leader for PH,” he added.