Sunday, August 20, 2006

Mahathir on current issues in Malaysia

At the National Day Rally 2006, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, spoke on a variety of current issues affecting Singapore. It was a speech that brought together some old issues, which have been talked about in different forums and the thrust sounded all too familiar.

In June 2006, Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, spoke on a variety of currents issues affecting Malaysia. It is interesting how PM Lee's speech mirrored or contrasted some of the issues raised by Tun Dr Mahathir.

While I do not agree with some of Tun Dr Mahathir's views, I found Tun Dr Mahathir's speech had more learning points. And I wished the National Day Rally could have been likewise.

These are some of the positive highlights or learning points of Tun Dr Mahathir's speech. The video of his speech can be watched at the Malaysia Today website in six parts.

RACE RELATIONS

He spoke about why he feels, in 50 years, all countries in the world will be multi-ethnic, except China, and why he thought Malaysia’s management of race relations and religious freedom was a success – though some people disagree there is racial harmony in Malaysia.

LANGUAGE

He felt Malaysia had lost its mastery of English and welcomed the trend to teach Science and Mathematics in English in Malaysian schools.

He emphasized it was necessary to both speak Malay & English well, and also have knowledge to create products and innovate.

ONE-PARTY RULE

He talked about one-party dominance of a democracy, and how it can stifle debate.

He took the view that a government should be strong but not too strong. He spoke about ‘neighbouring countries’ which have been dominated by one political party and how opposition politicians in these countries were charged with corruption or made bankrupt.

His view is that governments having more than 90% majority in Parliament may be regarded as "a little bit too strong". As a result, persons will not criticise the government and, if there is criticism, it will be subdued.

In his view, a strong government is one with a 2/3 majority in Parliament - as opposed to 90% majority - as such a majority can enable critical assessments of policies to be made.

He also felt an opposition was necessary to ensure the government makes the right decisions and to provide alternative viewpoints.

DECISION-MAKING

He encouraged people not to reach conclusions or make decisions about issues before first understanding the issues at hand and the background about the issues involved.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

He reiterated why it was important for an individual to not have just good knowledge but a strong values system. A strong values system would mean a person who is resistant to vices or temptations in society, and who is disciplined. It also means if a person undertakes to do something, the person must do it well.

To achieve this, parents must spend more time with their children, especially in educating them on the ill effects of television and Internet. The education system too has an important role to play in building character to help individuals face struggles, and shape winners and passionate individuals.

TAKE A STAND

He felt it was important to take a stand and risks, especially when things are obviously wrong.

FUTURE OF MALAYSIA

He shared Malaysia needs good leaders to maintain its premiere position among developing countries. And he is confident of its future.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

3 comments:

En and Hou said...

Thanks for the link to the Dr M. videos - I've been looking high and low for them!

Cheers,
Hou.

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best and all joy to be under him. Those who are capable have left or would leave, the main left would be those who are mainly rent seekers or those with business.
Frankly having experienced and been under his rule. His is a case where his words are fine but unfortunately his execution leaves much to be desired as it is tainted by the Ketuanan Melayu syndrome (Malay Supremacy).
His actions which are to be judged are polar opposites to his words, looking at the detention,etc.
Worse, he did go after sometimes whole families eg look at the Sabah incident.
So, I would having experienced hime state that the instruments of state and the racial harmony has been shot to pieces

Anonymous said...

Mahathir is a master in public speaking, his rhetoric is witty even when it is sarcastic, good for after work entertainment if you aren't Malaysian, full stop.
It is easy to critisize from the sideline but look at the legacy he left behind. Every ministers are copying and refining his brinkmanship like a full-time job to the maximum idol scale.
I'm a Malaysian working in S'pore, you will feel what I feel if you read MalaysiaKini and MalaysiaToday daily. Malaysia is such a promising state that it pain me so much to see her in the hand of these class of people. Mahathir doesn't deserve any credit.