Dr Mahathir still craves power, says ex-Indonesian minister

Updated 6 years ago · Published on 30 Nov 2017 8:14PM · 3 Comments

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has become increasingly childish as he cannot accept he is no longer in power, says Indonesia’s former minister of justice and human rights Hamid Awaludin. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 30, 2017.

DR Mahathir Mohamad is experiencing “post-power” syndrome as he is unable to accept he’s no longer in power.

Indonesia’s former minister of justice and human rights, Hamid Awaludin said the attitude of the former Malaysian prime minister had become increasingly childish.

“(It’s) surprising. Dr Mahathir was a good statesman (but) suddenly he became unwise and could even use racial issues,” he said at a press conference on Dr Mahathir’s insulting remarks against the Bugis people, in Kuala Lumpur, today. 

“A leader like this is experiencing post-power syndrome as he hates his successors, Pak Lah (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) and Najib Razak.

“If you want to make an enemy of Najib, don’t raise ethnic issue to the point we in Indonesia are dubbed pirates … it does not reflect well on Dr Mahathir as a wise statesman.

“(He is) supposed to be wiser with advancing age, but he is becoming more and more childish, his speech is also getting more childish, showing he cannot accept he’s no longer in power.” 

Also present were Umno Youth exco member, Mohamed Hazali Abu Hassan and Federal Territory Umno Youth chief, Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii.

Mahathir, the Bersatu chairman and chairman of the opposition coalition, in his speech on November 14, said Najib had Bugis pirate ancestors who strayed to Malaysia and he asked him to go back to his country of origin.

Hamid said raising an ethnic issue was dangerous as it could cause some communities to feel superior.

“The Second World War broke out when (Adolf) Hitler felt the Aryans were superior to others. Unfortunately, 72 years after World War II ended, there are still leaders using racial issues in politics,” he said.

Hamid also said many people felt Dr Mahathir should apologise for his remarks. 

“We are not in a position to demand he apologise, but as a civilised person, he does not need to be encouraged to apologise.

“A civilised person usually has sensitivity, (but) it’s up to him (Dr Mahathir),” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hazali who is also Umno Youth international bureau chairman, viewed Mahathir’s action of linking the Bugis community to piracy as a desperate move for political mileage.

Razlan said the opposition should practise mature politics without raising issues which could cause racial conflicts, especially with the general election approaching. – Bernama, November 30, 2017.

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Comments

  • What has an Indonesian got do with Tun? Funny.

    Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Former Indonesia "minister" should not bad mouth about Malaysia politic or attack any Malaysian Politician especially our former PM Mahatir. Go home and take care of Indonesia's backyard - massive corruption, abusing the position to rob and rape, growing Islamic extremism, rampant racism. Malaysia is doing fine - terima kasih

    Posted 6 years ago by Chris Ng · Reply

  • Wow!!! the cash handouts have reached Indonesia. This former Indonesian Minister must be hard strap for financial aid. The way he is telling off the old fox is just like the Umno gangsta in actions. Who the f#@k are you to invovle in Malaysian affairs apart from rebuking the historical claim of bugis being pirates. If you are not happy with what is stated go and change the historical write up. No wonder Madhatir are least concerned on the issues of his remark about MO1 being a bugis pirates. If anyone has called themselves Bugis and feeling proud about it then be prepared to accept what ever that comes along in that lineage package. No cherry picking please . If not happy and terribly upset over it, you can always change and opt out of your heritage and be someone else different-------------- if not hold your silence.

    Calling an old man childish and condescendingly by not requesting for an appology is sheer hypocrisy and insensitively a low retard washed out over the hill pedestrian politician stretching his hand out wide openly for his master payout. That is Hamid Awaludin who has no significant bearing in Malaysian politic. Go home Hamid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted 6 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply