Sunday October 29, 2006
Zam: Dr M is epitome of his ‘forget easily’ saying
SUNGAI PETANI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s administration had created a “climate of fear” is a reflection of “his era of dictatorship,” said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.
“Tun is the epitome of his very own saying Melayu mudah lupa (Malays forget easily).
“He has deliberately forgotten that what he is accusing Pak Lah of doing now is what he (Tun) used to do while in office,” he said.
Zainuddin added that Dr Mahathir, during his tenure as prime minister, had with his authoritative leadership style created an aura around himself, which made people respect him out of fear.
“He was authoritative and firm in dealing with party members, and his political opponents ... from the process of Parliament to the judiciary.
“But he was smart enough not to make it look undemocratic,” he said adding that Abdullah’s style was more quiet and diplomatic.
“He is doing to Pak Lah (Abdullah) exactly what Tunku (Abdul Rahman) did to him.
“I still remember because at the time I was an editor and had run a front page story on how Tunku was willing to give his support to the new Semangat 46 and the Opposition coalition in 1987 because he was frustrated with Tun’s attitude when he took over as prime minister in 1981,” he added.
However, Zainuddin said Tunku Abdul Rahman’s act of defiance was more refined than Dr Mahathir’s.
“He (Tunku) criticised in a diplomatic and gentlemanly manner.”
In Kota Baru, Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Annuar Musa said Dr Mahathir must be willing to face criticism following his harsh words on Abdullah’s administration.
“Dr Mahathir will continue to lash out but the Cabinet and Government should not be affected.
“They must make their own decisions based on collective responsibility,” Annuar said at the Kelantan Umno Hari Raya open house.
Annuar said Dr Mahathir should be allowed to address the delegates at the party’s annual general assembly next month.
“Dr Mahathir must then respect others who would likely pass comments on what he has to say.”
In Penang, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the freedom to express views should come with responsibility.
“Dr Mahathir himself had stressed that such freedom must come with responsibility,” he said after opening the Han Chiang TV and News Centre in Han Chiang College yesterday.
In Kepala Batas, Bukit Mertajam Umno division chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir called on Dr Mahathir to leave the party.
“It’s better he leaves Umno. It’s alright for him to criticise the party when he is no longer a part of it.”
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