Ted Meinhover Tedericco

Malaysian Political Drama

Having been a resident of Malaysia for a year myself, and because of it's important role in relation to Indonesia, South East Asia, and the entire world, I try to follow what's going on there. This is an interesting recent development. The Malaysian press tends to find a story and turn it into celebrtity drama, so there has been no shortage of this story in the Malaysian press.

Mahathir, Dr. M, ruled Malaysia for decades and was the country’s only Prime Minister until he finally stepped down in 2004, giving the other candidates a chance in the election. His government was far from one of the most open and democratic, referred to more often as taking on a “big brother” role, ruling over Malaysia’s democracy but maintaining tight control over the results of those democratic processes.

Now, still a powerful and controversial figure, Mahathir is attacking the current Prime Minister, saying that Malaysia has become a “police state.” “In a situation where no one can criticize the Prime Minister, I have to voice my criticisms on matters that do not concern my personal being but only those concerning the interest of the religion, race and country” he said. “A climate of fear has enveloped this country.”

As ironic as this accusation is, considering Mahathir’s long track record of leadership, I think it’s very interesting that one of the few people that might be capable of it is challenging the status quo in Malaysia.

It is almost guaranteed, of course, that there is political drama involved in this – someone surely has something to gain. However, the fact that Malaysia’s political suppression is still being talked about and questioned.

This is not the first such accusation against Malaysia’s government, of course. However, the ensuing drama is far from normal. While dissent in Malaysia is usually dealt with in a politically crushing fashion, discrediting and dismissing critics and their criticism, Mahathir is still a giant in the country and all around South East Asia. The idol of students and youth, considered the father of modern Malaysia, the leading political party UMNO and the population in general are in shock that Mahathir, perhaps one of the few people that could, is challenging the status quo.

Here’s a good and more in depth article:

"Giant of Malaysia Attacks Successor"