I'm old, not senile, Dr Mahathir tells Japanese media

Julia Yeow Julia Yeow Updated 7 years ago · Published on 11 Jun 2018 1:27PM · 5 Comments

IT seems that whenever he meets foreign media or dignitaries, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has to address the question of his age, and how he manages to take on the responsibilities of a prime minister at 92.

A dialogue with Japanese journalists today was no different, with Dr Mahathir proceeding to explain why he decided to take up the mantle of leadership for the second time following the 14th general election victory of Pakatan Harapan.

“There are two types of ageing; one is chronological, according to the year you have reached. The other is more physical,” he said.

“Sometimes, people age faster, sometimes people age much more slowly. I age a little bit slower than most people.”

Dr Mahathir, who is on a three-day official visit to Japan, said he had agreed to be the prime minister as he felt he was still fit and able.

“Since I am able to behave normally, I’m not senile, I can still hear questions and answer questions, and people want me to lead the country again, I will accede to the wishes of the people.

“I would like to rest. But I would (also) like to advise people not to rest when they grow old because when you rest, you will soon become weak and incapable, and become senile,” he quipped.

Dr Mahathir said the brain, like any other muscle, would become weak if not used.

“If you don’t use your brain, the brain regresses and you become senile. So always remain active.”

Dr Mahathir was sworn in as prime minister last month to become the world’s oldest elected leader, having led Pakatan Harapan to secure 121 parliamentary seats in GE14, and Putrajaya

He had previously served as prime minister for 22 years. 

Before the May 9 election, Dr Mahathir was mocked and insulted by critics and members of the Najib administration for harbouring political ambitions at his age. 

Najib Razak, during the election campaign, regularly alluded to Dr Mahathir’s age, saying it was a big PH weakness. – June 10, 2018. 

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Comments

  • You are young at heart. Age is just a mental barrier to achieve the impossible. You did it. You toppled Najib and now you must put him out of his misery. Solitary confinement in Sungai Buloh may help him delay senility before he reaches seventy years of age.

    Posted 7 years ago by Savari CJ · Reply

  • It is true, we must forever keep our brain active, as we grow older, find things to do, else dementia and all associated old age health issues will take over our body. My mother is 80 years old but she kept herself busy, so she is still healthy and active.

    Posted 7 years ago by Malaysia Forward · Reply

  • (Tongue-in-cheek) I must say that the great Dr. Mahathir is a "bit" like me! I hit my peak recently of being able to exercise for 8 hours of aerobics on a Sunday at my gyms & ended up with a non-stop cold, which I am still having today..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Age is all in the mind n TDM is a living proof that if you think you are old then your mind will subconciously accept that you are indeed old n subsequently discourage you not to do what you are capable of.We must not stay idle actively participate in activities within our physical capacities read n used our brains to think productively.For the Chinese making games is an excellent past time n for elderlies like me blogging to keep abreast of current national affairs makes my mind busy all the time passing critical personal comments on politicuans whom deviated from their oath of service to serve rakayat

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Thian Siong · Reply

  • Do please Google & read this funny English poem from yesteryear which could be reminiscent of Dr. Mahathir maybe: Title of poem -FATHER WILLIAM. Poem begins with "You are old, Father William..". SOURCE: Chapter 5 of the world famous and entertainchildren's storybook classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Okay?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply