Mahathir - the Senior Minister?

I would rather he be known as the SM - Senile Minister.

This just in. Risda chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik today suggested Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad be given the post of Senior Minister in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s cabinet.

The former Malacca chief minister said Dr Mahathir’s wide experience as prime minister for 22 years – the era of various development projects to strengthen the economy – should be harnessed to help the progress of Malaysia and other Islamic countries.

He wasn’t joking but said it would be a little status for the acerbic politician who has been invited by countries such as Japan and Egypt to share his views and experiences.

While we are unsure if Najib will take to the idea, it has to be said the country did prosper under Dr Mahathir but at the great expense of a failure in human capital development, justice, freedom of expression and basic human rights.

But the good doctor has had 22 years in power and what more can he do as senior minister, unless it is for status purposes?

The various physical and economic developments started off with promise but have languished over the years, which no doubt Dr Mahathir blames on his successor. National car project Proton still requires government help and Dr Mahathir has insisted it will not be sold, now that his advice is being taken seriously again.

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