Dr M admits being PM now more difficult, challenging
SHAH ALAM: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad admits that being a prime minister in today’s political scenario is more difficult and challenging as he is no longer leading a dominant party in the ruling government.
The 93-year-old premier also admitted that today’s situation was very different from the time when he held office for 22 years from 1981 to 1993.
“Back then, I was leading a dominant party with the biggest voice, what we (party) proposed will definitely get support.
“Now, we have four parties in (the ruling) Pakatan Harapan (PH) with each having its own ideology. So, if I want to make a decision, I have to convince all the parties in PH,” he said at the “Bicara Minda Bersama Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad” talk moderated by veteran journalist, Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, at Dewan Karangkraf here yesterday.
Furthermore, Dr Mahathir said he also had to adjust his mindset to be compatible with the ideas of socialism and liberalism prevalent within PH leaders.
“Some ideas have a semblance of socialism, some of liberalism, and I have to translate some things in a way that it can best suit both ideas, ” he said.
Dr Mahathir also said that when he first took over the prime minister’s office in 1981, the government and administration of the country were in order, and he just had to make decisions and the government machinery would do the work.
Unfortunately, he said, this time around, had to deal with the damage in the country’s finance and administration machinery left behind by the previous ruling government.
The prime minister also described the allegations that PH was being anti-Islam and proponents of liberalism were made by enemies of the government.
On press freedom, Dr Mahathir said the media had more freedom now compared to when the country was under the previous government.
Dr Mahathir said he had been practising tolerance for the media since he became the fourth Prime Minister in 1981. In fact, the premier said he had no problem facing the media as it was an opportunity for him to explain about any issue.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said the government would send cabinet ministers to attend courses to improve their performance.
“It is something to improve their performance and capability...by attending courses to be held at Intan (National Institute of Public Administration),” he said.
Prior to this, veteran journalist, Datuk A.Kadir Jasin, who is also the prime minister’s media and communication adviser, said the PH cabinet should be “given some lessons” before the people lose their faith in the new government.