In a vehement and vitriolic attack, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called for any investigation of 1MDB to be executed without fear or favour.
“Investigations into Malaysia’s controversial 1MDB fund must be done without fear or favour and those found responsible, no matter who, must be prosecuted without delay and the sooner the better or the government will suffer further reputation loss.
“Investigating bodies must be empowered with the resources and the clearest mandate to perform their impartial duty and their findings made public expeditiously,” Mahathir said in the prologue of his latest book entitled Dr Mahathir’s Selected Letters to World Leaders.
Expanding on the content of the book to be launched on Monday, Mahtahir said world leaders must recognise that electorates brought up on social media are becoming ever more demanding of accountability.
“Open-ended and interminable investigations are anathema to the new working public. My own country provides a good case study.”
Mahathir stressed that all stakeholders – the young especially – must have a sense and feel that they are welcomed to participate in politics and to hold office in the government and the ruling coaltion, BN.
Government leaders must not intimidate them but instead moderate the young when they express themselves too strongly or appear un-Malaysian.
Coming general election
“Crucially, this must not only be done but must be seen to be scrupulously done. Ours is not just a Malay–Islamic nation. We are an Islamic country with a Muslim majority. So, we should set a good example by understanding, being emphatic and inclusive.
“In the rough and tumble of the 14th general election it will require more than passion, enthusiasm and hard work for Umno—BN to retain power, let alone to increase its majority.
“The leadership must be sensitive to the latest political temperatures of the diverse electorate. Failure to do so will result in the ruling party losing by default,” wrote Mahathir.
This second volume of the book offer more insights into the cut-and-thrust world of international relations and diplomacy. Each section opens with a commentary by former Malaysian envoy to the UN, Abdullah Ahmad.
It was a torturous experience, Mahathir explained, in getting the government’s permission to release the letters.
“I shall be honest; had it not been for Abdullah Ahmad’s persuasion, perseverance, and determination, this second volume would not have appeared.”
In the book, he remarked that Malaysia must not “subordinate our interests to any power, big or small and certainly not become their lackey.
“Malaysia, I think, must not sound pro-western for no apparent reason than to win public applause and the personal affections of high profile leaders.” - M'kini
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