Why the special treatment for Mahathir?

Despite the harsh criticism dished out by Mahathir Mohamad, he is allowed to travel freely while the PM’s other critics face persecution.

COMMENT

By Tajuddin Rosli

First it was Tony Pua, but now other Opposition members, media people and activists face the prospect of being barred from leaving the country. The Edge Media Group owner Tong Kooi Ong is one such individual. While it has been confirmed that Pua and Tong are barred from leaving the country, the travelling status on the Malaysian immigration website of Rafizi Ramli, Ambiga Sreenevasan, Tian Chua, Maria Chin Abdullah, Hishamuddin Rais and Adam Adli show that they have to refer to the nearest immigration office if they want to travel abroad.

It is obvious that the recent revelations regarding alleged financial fraud between 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and Prime Minister Najib Razak, is the main reason behind the travel ban with different Acts being used to justify the decision.

Even if the benefit of doubt is given to the government for its drastic action, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is – why isn’t former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad black-listed from leaving the country as well?

Is Najib actually afraid of Mahathir?

Mahathir has by far been the worse critic. He has openly spoken against Najib and publicly withdrawn his support for the prime minister. He has openly called for Najib’s resignation. He has given interviews to foreign media, lamenting on the current corrupt state of the government. He has even spoken ill of Najib’s wife and mocked her alleged lavish lifestyle. Mahathir has repeatedly questioned the intelligence of the current crop of Barisan Nasional leaders. He continues to stir racial sentiments with his pro-Malay agenda. Mahathir did a Julius Caesar style ‘Veni, Vedi, Vici’ in Najib’s own #Nothing2Hide public forum. He tore, spat and stepped on Najib’s reputation in the government’s own forum and left like a hero.

From the scandals of 1MDB to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, and from BR1M to the government jet the PM purchased, Mahathir has questioned, ridiculed and mocked them all.

Had anyone aimed even a fraction of these criticisms towards Mahathir while he was PM, that individual would probably have been charged in court.

Why hasn’t the Sedition Act been used against Mahathir? This former PM has openly challenged the authorities to come and get him yet everyone seems to be hiding inside their shells. The police and immigration go into ostrich mode, burying their heads in the sand and hoping Mahathir does not see them as well, ignoring the reality of the situation.

For the record, Mahathir is no different from any other citizen except for the fact that he is insanely wealthy after looting the country for 22 years. If Mahathir is allowed to vent, then each and every one of us should be allowed to do the same for our intention is also to “save the country from any wrongdoings”.

In simple words, “Siapa Mahathir” that he gets preferential treatment? If what the opposition leaders are doing and saying is wrong, then so is Mahathir.

Every one should be treated equally and this is exactly what the entire nation is fighting for. Stop portraying him as a Spartan.

Tajuddin Rosli is an FMT reader.