Pairin predicts 'long drought' for Sabah if Dr M becomes PM
TAWAU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said yesterday the people of Sabah would be in for “a long drought” if Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad becomes the prime minister again.
Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister, said Sabahans had experienced the rule of Dr Mahathir for 22 years when he was the prime minister from 1981 to 2003.
He was commenting on the Pakatan Harapan’s decision to name Dr Mahathir as the candidate for prime minister if the opposition pact wins the next general election.
“Everyone knows who Dr Mahathir is. He has acknowledged many weaknesses and mistakes and has sought forgiveness from the people. If he has stated so, is it logical for us to accept him as the prime minister again? Certainly not,” he said.
Pairin spoke to reporters after a ground-breaking for the Tawau Phase Three water supply scheme, which also involves the construction of the first multipurpose water dam in Sabah.
Keningau MCA chief Kapitan Jack Chin called on Dr Mahathir to retire from the Malaysian political arena.
"It is better that he retires from politics as he will be recognized as a great leader who has magnified Malaysia in the world for 22 years when he served as prime minister.
"In our democratic country he is free and has the right to contest again and to be the prime minister, but he should also think of his age and he is past his prime," he said yesterday.
According to him, many considered his actions as a fighter to uphold justice, including fighting against corruption, but his desire to be a prime minister is making him running away from the principles of his real struggle.
Jack said it was better for him to retire fully from politics so that the people would respect him as a great leader.
"If this country chooses him to be prime minister while he is over 90 years old, what is the view of foreign countries on Malaysia?
"Is Malaysia desperate that there is no other choice? Our country still has a leader who can manage and lead the country.
"Despite the many obstacles being faced by the people and the countr, let us face it together and if we do not learn to govern this country when can we begin to learn," he said.
Jack believes that Malaysia still has qualified and capable leaders to lead and administer the country ... give them opportunities.
He said there were many improvements and benefits under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.
"This cannot be denied even though the government is now struggling with the high cost of living problems, besides rising prices that burden the people, but aid to the people from infants to senior citizens is given out," he said.