Don’t be too obsessed with changing govt, says Dr M

The former premier says the young generation wished to see a change of government only because it believed in the promises made by the opposition.

PUTRAJAYA: Some young people are so obsessed with change and believe that only a change of government will change their lives, says former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said they wished to see a change of government only because they believed in the promises made by the opposition.

“Whatever said by Barisan Nasional seems to have no effect on them although it is clear and true, because they believe that a change of government will change their lives for the better. That is why the sitation now is different from the yesteryear,” he said in an interview with Bernama at the
Perdana Leadership Foundation building, here, today.

He said when there was not that much development in the country and Malaysia was still regarded as a developing country, every transformation was appreciated, which was different with today’s young people who were born after the country had achieved much development.

Mahathir said today’s young generation did not experience the kind of situation faced by poor countries where there were limited educational, job and career advancement opportunities, hence they took things for granted and were not really appreciative of the country’s current development.

He said they were also too exposed to western influences, for instance, on the principle of freedom, hence they felt there was still not enough freedom in many matters.

He admitted that there were still a lot to be done by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to win the hearts of the younger generation within a limited time as the general election was approaching.

Mahathir said since the last general election in 2008, the BN government under Najib’s leadership had been seen working earnestly to win back the trust and support of voters and to some extent, he had been successful.

Good concept

He said Najib did not have much time left now and while he worked tirelessly to get close to as many people as possible, he had to face various demands from many groups.

“During my time [as prime minister] the people did not know when the elections would be held, so before they could make all kinds of demand, we held the elections.

“However, when we wait at the last minute to dissolve Parliament, there is no longer the element of surprise. So, as the general election draws near, we receive more and more demands [from the public],” he said.

On the 1Malaysia concept, Mahathir said it was a good concept that should be supported by all communities in the country.

He said the prosperity and harmony that had been prevailing in this country was the result of consensus among the various races to share power, hence avoiding turmoil.

“With this, the country could develop. If today the various communities want to get everything they demand for, there will be dissatisfaction for others who don’t get all, and this can destabilise the country.

“The development targets cannot be achieved and the economy will not grow, hence no development benefits for us to enjoy. All the communities in this country must understand that,” he said.

- Bernama