Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – Bernama file photo
BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad believes that the new government could set the basis for the country’s economic recovery in two years time and pave the path to revive Malaysia’s past glory as the Asian Tiger.
Speaking in front of Malaysian community here, he noted that the rehabilitation of the country was currently going on well.
“However, full recovery may take many many years, but I hope within a year or two we can set the basis of recovery for Malaysia,” he said in his speech before taking up questions from the guests during a dialogue with the Malaysian diaspora today.
Describing Malaysia today as a half-dead tiger, the prime minister, however, remained optimist that the country would be able to revive its former glory.
He also said that he had faith in the new Cabinet line-up even though some of the ministers had confessed to him that they were a little nervous in taking up their new responsibilities.
“But I do hope that overtime our government will be able to handle all the problems faced by the country…with regards to administrative machinery, I think we are getting there already, although we are new, they are catching up very fast. I have faith in their ability to do well as ministers in the new government,” he said.
Dr Mahathir, who was the fourth prime minister for 22 years before being re-appointed as the seventh prime minister after the 14th General Election, said the first problem the new government needs to tackle was to settle the debt of more than RM1 trillion left behind by the previous government.
“We never heard the word trillion before, but now it’s a common word, it’s the amount of money owed by the government that we have to pay, it is difficult to come out with that amount of money.
“Yes, we have some funds, Harapan Fund, the public can donate, but we don’t want to be seen as accepting gift from people because this government is very serious in combating corruption in government,” he added.
Dr Mahathir is on a two-day official visit to Thailand. – Bernama