Here’s some strange food for thought

A WELL-KNOWN proposition in this country (and one that has turned out true) is the fact that the mnemonic “Rahman”, part of the name of our first Prime Minister, represented the names of the six Prime Ministers we have had: R for Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first PM; A for Tun Abdul Razak; H for Tun Hussein Onn; M for Tun Dr Mahathir; A for Tun Ahmad Badawi; and N for Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

It seems uncanny that these Prime Ministers were all from Barisan National, and it seems ironical that the list ends with Barisan’s rule.

Some may say that the whole thing is just a matter of coincidence. But to most Malaysians, it appears to be too much of a coincidence. There are others who believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence, ie it was preordained. Be that as it may, I find it fascinating.

It appears that a new era has begun for our Prime Ministers what with the coming of Pakatan Harapan as the ruling coalition. Perhaps it is time for a new mnemonic for our successive Prime Ministers. Initial evidence seems to suggest that it is “Mahathir”: M for Dr Mahathir, and if the proposed succession goes as planned, it should fall on an A – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As to who the rest may be and whether the mnemonic will hold true, only time will tell.

The idea may be a joke to some, a whimsical fancy to others, or just plain poppycock. Being a man of science, I am inclined not to disagree with them.

As I said, it is just food for thought. But notwithstanding my “scientific” mind, I have always subscribed to the thinking that “There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy”.

PROF DR KULENTHRAN ARUMUGAM Petaling Jaya, Selangor