Our very own Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is admittedly the world’s oldest leader when he came back for his second stint as the leader of the country at 93 years old. In an interview with AFP on Thursday (Nov 1), he admits that it has not been easy this time and he is feeling his age.
Source: The Star
In fact, he even said jokingly, “I should be dead now, actually,” in the interview as it’s no secret that the straight-talking man had suffered from a few health problems in the past. At his age, it’s simply a miracle he’s still so sharp! He added that it has not been easy so far after the Pakatan Harapan alliance won in a shock victory in GE14 against Barisan Nasional and since then, lots of changes have been happening.
Dr Mahathir has been cracking down on corruption with many former bigwigs being charged and arrested as well as trying to pay off a huge national debt, which he admitted was rather tiring for him although he is still holding it together. “It is exhausting. This time around I have to do more work than the first time I became prime minister… the whole government machinery has been destroyed almost,” he added.
Source: The Malaysian Times
One item of interest that has caught everyone’s attention is the high profile raids on former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s residences followed by the arrests and charges made on him and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. He has been slapped with 38 corruption charges while many other former figures in the government have left their positions.
“I had to get rid of people who in the past, under the previous government, had… politically been involved with government. A lot of things were spoiled by Najib in his effort to use every institution to ensure his winning (in) the election,” he explained.
Source: Malay Mail
There have been speculations that Malaysia and China’s ties would be affected after several Chinese-financed deals, which were found to be rather dubious, were cancelled but Dr Mahathir said that our country still has good relations with them.
Of course, another major question that has been hanging in the air since Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was released from questionable sodomy charges and re-elected to parliament is whether Dr Mahathir would stick to his promise of relinquishing power to Anwar. In fact, there were also suggestions that relations between these two prominent figures would be strained due to their long history but Dr Mahathir has brushed off these concerns.
Source: Bangkok Post
“I have worked with him before… I have no problem, I can work with everybody,” he said. Being a man of his words, he said that he would definitely hand over power to Anwar when the time comes and added, “I have made a promise; I will keep my promise.”
Stay healthy and strong, Tun M! The country still needs you!
Also read: Tun Mahathir Shares Secret to Staying Sharp & Healthy at 93 Years Old
