KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 — Former information minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin recently expressed his desire for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return to Putrajaya to help the federal government tackle religious, security and economic issues

Zainuddin had written on his Zamkata blog that Dr Mahathir’s experience of more than 20 years in tackling the problems of the country, especially in terms of security, should not be wasted.

He said the proposal was not for Dr Mahathir — Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister — to take over the stewardship of the country from current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak but to help Najib face issues engulfing the country and to give him moral support.

Dr Mahathir, who led the country from 1981 to 2003, had also recently suggested that Putrajaya bring back the Internal Security Act (ISA) to control  “extremist minority” who, he said, had undermined the country’s stability.

The Malay Mail spoke with Tan Sri  Ramon Navaratnam, director of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) and chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Studies, for his take on the matter.

The Malay Mail (TMM): Is Dr Mahathir the right person to tackle racial, religious and economic issues?

Ramon Navaratnam (RN): There is no need for retired politicians to return. They can still play a major role as public speakers against extremism and religious bigotry from all quarters. Any compulsion imposed on leaders goes against the grain of democratic practices and the promotion of basic human rights.

TMM: Zainuddin said if Najib and the Cabinet were willing to bring Dr Mahathir back, Najib would not be seen as a weak leader but a true statesman that puts the interest of the people, rather than self-interest, at the forefront.

RN: People with intelligence and experience in leadership positions should refrain from callous, careless and irresponsible thinking and advice. Dr Mahathir has already served in his post and should encourage elected leaders to perform to the best of their ability without hindering or hampering them.

TMM: Would restoring the ISA strengthen the country’s security and restore the people’s confidence?

RN: We have enough laws but not enough political will. We should not add to our problems by further disrupting public confidence in good governance. If we exert and ensure fair enforcement of the law, we should do much better. The spirit of national unity will also be increased.

TMM: Zainuddin said it is not the ISA that needs to be revived but Dr Mahathir needs to be empowered again. He also said there is no point in bringing back the ISA if there is no political will or a strong, brave and smart spirit to enforce the law. What do you think?

RN: Many Malaysians perceive, rightly or wrongly, that there is selective application in the enforcement and implementation of laws, which are currently adequate. We need quicker and effective resolutions of critical problems currently being faced. The people are getting impatient and restless. We need to see action taken, not more rhetoric.

TMM: What does Malaysia need to guarantee strong leadership?

RN: The people want to promote democracy and enable it to thrive and mature. The longer we delay in ensuring stronger leadership (through democracy), the more difficulties we’ll face and the economy will suffer seriously. When that happens, even stronger political will will be needed. We will not be able to solve the problems of national disunity, division and distress.