Mahathir vs Abdullah in Time magazine

The latest issue of Time magazine (Asian edition) has Dr Mahathir in its cover. It carries interviews with both the former premier and his hand-picked successor Abdullah - both in the midst of a major fall out following Mahathir’s constant attack on Abdullah’s leadership.

An excerpt of the interviews:


On Malaysia being a police state

Mahathir

Is the PM more afraid of dissent than you were?

"He has made Umno his personal party. They cannot say anything that he doesn't approve of. I'm being told, look, you mustn't criticize the Prime Minister because he is an institution, he is an Umno president and therefore an institution.

Yes, the Umno president is an institution, but the incumbent is not. When I was there, he challenged me. Now he's not allowing anybody to say a word against him ... What I don't like is creating what would be called a police state. Nobody is allowed to organize any meeting and invite me to speak. If you do, the police call you up."

Abdullah

Do you think Mahathir's comments are bad for Malaysia? If so, why?

"He is free to say what he wants. We are a democracy and it is his right to speak. When I became Prime Minister, I encouraged more openness and did not want to muzzle different views, so I suppose this is part of that process. But it is unfortunate that he is making wild allegations and that he does not acknowledge that answers have been given. At the end of the day, Malaysia is still well regarded internationally as an advanced Muslim country and as a good investment destination, despite what he says."


The starting point

Mahathir

When you retired in 2003, you said you would not interfere in politics. What made you change your mind?

"The decision not to build the bridge to [Singapore]. You see, when we are building the bridge on our side, within our area, no other country has any right to interfere. He is saying we cannot build even on our own side because Singapore might object. Then you are actually saying that you are doing something in our own country will require the consent or approval of Singapore. That means you are surrendering your independence, your sovereignty. That was what annoyed me very much.

And about this bridge, it is absolutely essential simply because there is overcrowding down in Johore Bahru and people cannot get around because where the causeway meets the land, there is a huge crowd there, people coming and going to Singapore."

Abdullah

Why do you think Mahathir is speaking out publicly now?

"You really have to ask him this question. His public criticism began with the cancellation of the bridge to Singapore. That is an issue he has raised again and again, and also during our private meeting recently. Although the government has explained extensively why we cancelled the project, he still is not able to accept the decision while the public have moved on."

Click to read the full interviews here and here