AUG 13 — The weather was particularly good and the traffic was smooth over the past few days. It could not be more suitable to visit friends and neighbours.
I attended a few Hari Raya open houses. While enjoying the food, people invariably talked about the current hottest topic: the relations between former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Of course, everything started from a recent book about Abdullah. Political analysts and Malaysia experts Professor James Chin and Bridget Welsh jointly compiled an achievement review of Abdullah’s administration, including interviews, as well as comments from the political and academic circles.
Abdullah’s comments on Dr Mahathir and Umno’s conservatives have generated considerable interest in the Malaysian society. Many people’s first impression was, Abdullah has finally fought back after enduring taunts and reproaches for so many years, particularly against Dr Mahathir.
Some people think that it is Abdullah’s agenda to lead public opinion and campaign for the Umno liberals while pressuring the hardliners before the party election.
I do not think so.
Leaving ability and political achievement aside, Abdullah is, after all, a mild-mannered politician. He is not good at provoking confrontations or launching personal attacks.
He has been maintaining a low profile and keeping a certain distance from politics after stepping down. He even seldom responded to sarcastic ridicule from others.
He has no significant interests and forces in Umno and those still keep a contact with him are busy pursuing their own ways to survive.
Therefore, the book should not be considered a tool to counter attack his opponent, or campaign for the party election.
Moreover, it was not written by him. The publication time and content were determined by the publisher and the two authors. It did not directly involve Abdullah.
However, it does not mean that Abdullah has no feelings towards the 2008 general election setback, the experience of being forced to step down, as well as the following negative comments and evaluations.
In fact, Abdullah has many grievances. He should not be the only one to be blamed, at least he believes so, for many problems and the lack of achievements during his administration.
He faced a society asking for changes with a strong resentment against the government, as well as internal resistance from Dr Mahathir and the party conservatives. They tarnished his image and obstructed his policies.
There were Dr Mahathir’s men and sluggish people in his Cabinet and many of his staff members and assistants lacked political experience and were self-righteous.
Although he had the intention and plans to reform, he failed to perform well and was forced to step down.
Therefore, he revealed the factors behind many problems during the interviews, particularly the attacks from Dr Mahathir, as well as the destruction brought by Umno right wing.
As a political observer, I can understand his difficulties and grievances. However, I do not fully accept his explanation and self-defence.
If he had a stronger political will, if his team had greater wisdom and foresight, he could actually do better.
After being overwhelmingly entrusted by the people, he lacked the boldness to break the barriers and obstacles and he did not have the courage to fight when standing at the turning point of history.
Umno’s reform and the government’s transformation have indeed received great resistance. However, as the party’s president and the country’s prime minister, it was his unshirkable responsibility.
It is a precious lesson that should be used as a reference for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as well as the country’s future leaders. — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
