DR M’S SIX ACHIEVEMENTS

DEAR Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, I wish to offer my congratulations on the successful one year that you have just completed as the country’s leader and head of the Pakatan Harapan government. FIRST, despite your age (93), you agreed to lead the nation once again to complete what you set out to do earlier during your tenure as the fourth prime minister;

SECOND, as you have done before, you want to put the country back on course towards becoming a developed nation;

THIRD, it is admirable that through the rule of law, you have intended to put right all the wrongs done by the previous government; FOURTH, you have used your resiliency of thought and actions to ensure that the government delivers on the commitments made to the people;

FIFTH, you have sustained the good image of the country abroad by applying “Mahathirstyle logic” in your dealings and dialogues with leaders; and,

SIXTH, when all is said and done, you have made the promise that you will hand over the reins of government to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In 2008, I was able to put together a set of scenarios that would take us to 2057, the centennial year of Malaysia’s independence from the British.

Here I lay my findings: government due for change; new media to be given more space; size of economy to move in tandem with world economy; educational opportunities to be open to all ; new assertiveness of monarchy; change in Barisan Nasional component parties; beginning of “rattling” in Sabah and Sarawak for use of newfound power; psychological reversal roles for opposition and hitherto-ruling parties; issues concerning foreign workers and migrants; and a closer working relationship with China and regional leaders in economy, education and ecology.

Most of the scenarios have happened.

As for your future, Dr Mahathir, I am convinced what you have set out to do at the beginning of your second tenure as prime minister will all come true, God-willing.