PUTRAJAYA: Has Dr Mahthir Mohamad answered the question many Malaysians ask: who does he see as the next Prime Minister?
The ex-prime minister did not take names or drop a hint at who might potentially lead the country when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s term ends.
But Dr Mahathir coyly answered: “We are trying to find a giant. It doesn’t matter… if the Prime Minister has the facilities, it doesn’t matter who he is.”
Critique of Democratic Systems
Dr Mahathir emphasised the dangers of the democratic system in which politicians are often elected based on their popularity instead of their competence.
“What is happening now is that under the democratic system, you are chosen because you are popular. But you are popular for what? If you are popular because you are a great administrator, then you become a minister, then you can do your work well,” he told Sinar Daily during an exclusive interview on Politics, Corruption and Possible Revenge: Fireside Chat with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“But if you are popular because of something else, and you then become a minister, and you do not know the way the government functions, then of course you cannot solve problems.”
Importance of Expert Advice
He added that the Prime Minister does not necessarily have to be smart, but he must seek and follow the advice of experts from different fields.
“Advise – they can reject what I said, or they can supplement it or modify it,” he stated, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance.
Lessons from History
Dr Mahathir shared his own experiences during the Malaysian financial crisis and explained how relying on expert advice led to effective decisions.
He said that with this method, the Prime Minister gets benefited from his experience in various fields and this is how the then government was able to deal with the financial crisis using this method.
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Cultivating Young Leaders
When questioned about the upcoming generation of leaders, Dr. Mahathir emphasized the significance of cultivating young talent and restructuring the political system to ensure effective governance.
Recalling Past Decisions
Recalling his tenure, Dr Mahathir talked about his decision to appoint a young politician to the cabinet during his second tenure as Prime Minister.
“That year, when I was Prime Minister for the second time, I brought in a very young person into the cabinet, 25 years old, (Muar MP) Syed Saddiq (Syed Abdul Rahman). I thought that he could be given time to grow and if he performs well, he may become,” he said.
Potential Future Leaders
Once again, Dr Mahathir said, without mentioning names, that he saw three or four young people with potential if allowed to take over the country’s leadership.
“I don’t like to name names because it almost like I want to endorse somebody… there are three or four others, I think, who have potential, but they have to be given a chance.
“And the system must be changed – not a powerful prime minister, but a prime minister who listens to advice of the elders,” he added.
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