Go ahead, erase my entire existence, says Dr Mahathir

People will still know who he is, says former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not perturbed by apparent efforts to “erase” his entire legacy.

He said even if his name was omitted from either school textbooks, or his legacy as prime minister was not included in this year’s 60th Merdeka Day celebration, there will still be those who know of him and what he has done for the country.

“I don’t care. They can erase my name, and not talk about me at all.

“They can say ‘Mahathir bin Iskandar Kutty’ was never born,” he said, while taking a jab at Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s claim that the Pakatan Harapan chairman’s real name was “Mahathir a/l (son of) Iskandar Kutty”.

“They can say I never worked (for the country), and never contributed anything to the country’s development.”

Mahathir, who is also PPBM chairman, was speaking at a press conference after the party’s first ever fundraising dinner here last night.

Recently a photo of an exercise book with the names of Malaysia’s five prime ministers, including incumbent Najib Razak, went viral for one reason. Mahathir was not on the list.

The education ministry was initially blamed for it, and was accused of attempting to change the facts of Malaysian history by omitting Mahathir in the Form 3 book on civics education.

The ministry, however dismissed the allegation, saying the book was not one of its publications.

Proud of country’s independence

On the nation celebrating its 60th Merdeka Day, Mahathir, who was born more than three decades before Merdeka, said he is happy and grateful that the country achieved independence without having to go through any war or conflict.

He also expressed his belief that the country’s future would be brighter if Najib was no longer the prime minister.

“So don’t fall for Najib’s tricks. Those who have to hand out money to get votes, have to do so because they know their administration isn’t good.

“We used to win two-thirds (of the parliamentary seats) without having to give out a single cent,” said the 92-year-old, in reference to his 22-year tenure. -FMT