Speculation and gossiping continue to be the pastime of most Malaysians. It is good for it provides fodder for conversation and keeps us all senior citizens from the deadly grasp of Alzheimer's. Lat me just take a second look at our Prime Ministers both from the archives of the past and the current leaders still alive and kicking.
The much loved Tunku was a adorable leader who along with his counterparts from the Chinese and Indian community brought independence to this land. His was a time of rejoicing where the give and take attitude was the raison de' tat of the political framework of governance.I guess there were never issues that could not have been discussed on a win-win-win-resolution. Tunku, also brought Singapore, Sabah and Sabah into a bigger federation in 1963 with the Bruneians staying out.In 1965, political realities dictated a decision for the pull-out of Singapore. Though sad, it was a live and let live resolution. The black chapter of May 13 saw the eventual exit of Tunku.
Hardworking PM
The happy days of early Independence was soon to end. The next PM,Tun Abdul Razak went out on a limb for development. Based on comparative advantage and the abundance of land, the economy started to gain traction with land development, opening of rubber land and the introduction of oil palm into the agrarian landscape. Industry in E&E started coming into Malaysia through Penang and Selangor. Industrial estates sprouted in all states with the creation of state development corporations. Big government stared to come into being. During his time, the New Economic Policy (NEP)started to sprout shoots and amidst the relative calm after the storm, the fabric of Malaysian society, torn asunder by May 13, started taking on a 'tolerance mood' as the period of NEP will stop in 2000. Unfortunately, this hard working Prime Minister was to die of leukemia in London on 15 January 1976.
Reluctant PM
Bearing heartfelt news, Hussein Onn grieved on national television to inform the citizens of the passing on of his copper mate,Tun Abdul Razak. Hussein was just too unprepared for the job of the numero uno of the country. A dedicated lawyer who had worked at the Ministry of Defence, he could not see too much of the forest. When he launched the 3rd Malaysia Plan, its main focus (your guess is right!) was on defence. A big bulk of tax payers money went to defence. More need not be said. He never wanted the job and so he left after one term.
Seize the Day PM
Next to step in Dr Mahathir. This is one thinking man. The world was his oyster. 'Think big' was his dictum. During this time, Margaret Thatcher was a good PM model to follow. It was also the time of privatisation of government services and assets just like what Thatcher did in London. The NEP took a new turn. With so little years left before 2000, the 30% target has to be quickened in terms of implementation ans achievement. A plethora of government NEP agencies and government backed companies were created to take the best pick of the privatised projects be it highways, medical services,ports, LRTs and such. There were many success stories-some planned but mostly spillover effects. The PLUS highway with its attendant property development is one such example. Tun did not get his way with all the laws, civil service and money on his side. The recession of 1997 took its toll of almost all the bumiputera entrepreneurs he created. The only thing that stayed was the Amanah Saham Scheme. His dabble with the international tin market failed as the world learned not to be taken as gullible fools after the Guthrie dawn raid. The Americans dumped their tin stockpile and Ipoh is no longer the tin capital of the world to this day. On the political front, his era was marred by the infamous Operation Lalang when most of his opposition party members were incarcerated in Kamunting Prison under the ISA. After 22 years at the helm, he left. Dr. Mahathir has left his imprints of the social and political landscape of the nation, some good and many which continue to be controversial. His time saw a worsening of ethnic relations and bailouts.
Gentleman PM
Nice gentleman Badawi took the baton next.There is only a few things good about Badawi. He had the greatest victory in the poll he lead, decimating the Opposition especially Anwar Ibrahim's Keadilan Party to only one representative in Parliament. Knowing the financial situation of the nation's money coffers, he cut on waste. Cutting out the Crooked Bridge to Singapore was his greatest feat making 'angry birds' of Mahathir and many other parties. His time was characterised by middle of the road Islam known as Islam Hadhari and corridor developments. Just like Hussein Onn took out Harun Idirs and put him in prison, Badawi was daring enough to remove Wanita UMNO's head women out from Cabinet. That takes guts! The internet flourished in Malaysia under Badawi. However, he became the victim of the main-stream media and back door machinations among UMNO's powers-to-be forced his prematured exit after the 2008 general elections where Barisan ceded its two third majority in Parliament for the first time in history.
Implaccable PM
Najib came in as the new PM of Malaysia. Just like Badawi, he was also at a loss. Most of the monopoly businesses had already been privatise or re-packaged. He had to position himself as a different type of leader. He knew the importance of the new youth joining the ranks of the voting public. He knew about the pull of the internet such as blogs, the alternative news media on the internet as well as social network such as Facebook and Twitter.So, he started courting the young impressionable voters with slogans galore. The mother of all slogan has to be Satu Malaysia and Salam Satu Malaysia became the clarion call of Najib. To give flesh to his concept, he started all kind of things from 1Menu Malaysia, KR1M (Kedai 1 Malaysia), BR1M (Bantuan Rakyat Satu Malaysia), SR1M (Sara 1 Malaysia)as well as RM100 for all school children and book coupons for those from Form 5 to college students.Najib apparently has a lot of 'undesirable baggage' and so he has a credibility problem. Many of those UMNO, particularly the old war horses and warlords have proven difficult for him to dislodge and they still claim they are winnable candidates for the 13th GE. The current fiascoes also seem difficult to find ready solutions as the date for the election is nigh.
So, looking back, how do I rate the PMs?
Tunku was good during his time. It was a long time from 1957 to 1971. There was not much development nor need for any. It was the time for institution building and putting the house in order.The people were happy to be independent and all's well as if it was a fairy tale.He did not believe he could not control the country that caused the flare up of May 13 in 1969. He was a Prime Minister that was booted out before his time.
Tun Abdul Razak similarly was a devoted leader that played like an unfinished melody. Quiet and determined, he set the foundation block for good governance and economic development. He is best remembered for the Green Book.
Hussein Onn did not break new pathways. His only achievement was putting Harun Idis in jail.
Mahathir Mohammed was the national builder PM. Did plenty of good things, did too many controversial things. Succeeded where it mattered in the short term but seen through a longer time frame, some such as the MAS privatisation, are unraveling.
Badawi should be considered a middle of the road PM who allowed things to happen for the greater good of all Malaysians. Short stay and 'sleeper', not seen as effective but a good chap.
Najib is perceived as an intelligent man but forced to carry 'burdens' from the past. His sloganeering and mix bags of acronyms for economic growth blueprints continue to confuse and many just do not understand the mumbo jumbo of it all. He will be judged by the number of seats he will win in the next General Elections,
Mahathir likes to do things out of convention while Hussein Onn likes the familiar.On balance, I like Tunku and Badawi. They have less 'dark sides.
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