Editorial»
Lesson from Mahathir
NOV 06 - Malaysia, relatively a small country, has drawn worldwide attention over the weeks. The news of its long-time serving prime minister’s stepping down from the office has been widely reported. Many widely circulated magazines, including Time, have covered the news of Mahamad Mahathir’s role in detail, especially his contribution to the development of Malaysia, one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. He championed the cause of his country with his full determination and commitment. He did not succumb to any foreign power that designed to undermine the sovereignty of Malaysia. National unity and patriotism were his slogans to keep the people united and led them to the overall development of that country.
With minor exceptions, Mahathir kept Malaysia free from religious and communal strife that could have been detrimental to a country inhabited by people of different religions, race and origins. His detractors and some foreign powers with specific vested interest accused him of acting as a dictator, but he fearlessly pursued his national goal. He is not a blue-eyed boy of western countries. And he often has been dubbed as an enemy of Jews and Christians, but he consistently spoke out against western hegemony. He slammed the US unjustified aggression on Iraq. He termed it an assault on the entire Muslim world. Certainly, Mahathir, in the strictest sense, is not a democrat who believes in freedom for everything, even at the expense of silent individuals. However, his visionary role for his people cannot be minimised.
Mahathir did not mind to be called a dictator so long as he could avoid the pitfalls of multiparty democracy. He meant that good people should be in charge of the country. Naturally, he went against the mainstream of the system prevalent in western countries. However, he proved that it was done for the sake of a country, which was not prepared to absorb the western concept of freedom. Malaysians believe that Mahathir has done a lot of good for his country, though he cannot be claimed a perfect person. Because of the excess of good done to the country, Malaysians are ready to forget some of his mistakes and bad works.
Mahathir has become a prominent figure among the Asian leaders. In comparison to him, many leaders appear colourless and visionless. Mahathir ruled with a strong hand and saved his country from turning into anarchy. In the past, the colonial masters ruled both Asia and Africa in the absence of strong leaders. They then argued that Asians and Africans were not capable for self-government, let alone the question of
popular sovereignty.
The western colonisers do not want to see strong leaders with nationalistic vision to remain in power. Mahathir could not be a dear boy to them because he refused to dance to the tune of the western masters. One of the reasons of western aggression on Iraq is the strong nationalistic leadership, exemplified by Saddam Hussein. Like Mahathir, he too was a strong leader who could hold the country united even under persistent threat of intrusion by alien forces to undermine the integrity of Iraq.
We understand Malaysia did not enjoy the democracy as experienced by America and India, but Mahathir showed that only the name of democracy without commitment to national goal could become counter-productive. We have seen in Nepal how some the so-called democrat leaders have proved themselves, as traitors in disguise, though it might be difficult to digest for some. We understand that there are some nations, which have progressed well even under the democratic system, but it does not undermine the successful tenure of Mahathir. Recently, Mahathir again angered the western world with his remark –“ Jews rule the present world by proxy”. Some might have taken his outburst lightly, but it is an opinion of a leader who has understood the western world well. Many countries, including America, have condemned Mahathir’s view, but such a devastating view could be expressed by a leader who did not yield to any foreign pressure for lengthening corrupt rule.
In contrast to Mahathir, we have democratic leaders who either start or stop agitation for restoring their democratic rights. These politicians in the name of democracy dance to the tune of their western masters. These leaders are so liberal that they entertain western opinion for initiating a struggle for restoring people’s rights. But it is the people who decide how democratic a leader appears to be, not the western power. It is for Malaysians who decide whether Mahathir is democrat.
It has become necessary for Nepali leaders to take some lessons from Malaysia especially on Mahathir who voluntarily bowed out of his office, though there was no any compelling reason for doing so. But, in our case there are democratic leaders who have considered the post of Prime Minister subjectively. They have treated the party something as private organisation and do not bother for any democratic norms and values. Their only aim is to gain power and extend the tenure.
But Mahathir has proven that mere democratic values do not pay in real life. People want concrete measures in all systems. Of course, it is advisable to adopt democratic system. But it is not for looting the country. People will show contempt to such a brand of democracy. We hope our politicians pay heed to
this aspect.
The present plight of this country testifies that we are suffering in the absence of visionary leadership. Our politicians so far have not learnt from the example of countries like Malaysia, which have proven that the size of the country does not matter. A small country also can attain economic prosperity. Nations need good managers for utilising natural resources and inspiring people to work hard. Mahathir’s legacy remains relevant for countries like ours lagging behind as a visionless and leaderless country.Posted on: 2003-11-05 10:03
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