Saturday, July 22, 2006

Elegant Silence here, Enforced Silence there

Malaysia’s Grand Ole Man and lately its political enfant terrible, is back from his 22 day overseas trip to once again shake the establishment and fertilise the blogosphere.

Dr Mahathir repeated his lamentation that certain UMNO personalities had attempted to silence him or prevent grassroots from approaching him.

I know from reading in the newspapers that the Kelantan UMNO invitation for him to visit them was withdrawn, put back, withdrawn, tossed around, argued over, debated, agonised upon, farmed out, taken over, etc until I have lost track of its current status.

Behind the scenes the pro and anti Mahathir forces tussled in traditional silat play, all to the delight of PAS so much so that Anwar Ibrahim had to voice his advice of cautionary restraint to the Pak Hajis in Kelantan. Anwar has been worried that PAS may see Mahathir as a new anti UMNO icon.

Oh dear, UMNO, why are you people so scared of a former PM?

Thus it wasn’t surprising that Dr Mahathir drew a comparison between his premiership and that of his successor. He hinted, just a hint but nevertheless in a very strong manner, that Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is not as liberal and receptive of criticism as he had been. And how did he hint so? By drawing attention to the time when Tengku hammered him soon after he took office.

“During the time of Tunku Abdul Rahman, he wrote to the Star, he wrote books, he wrote all sort of things, he supported those who wanted to dethrone me, but I didn’t do anything to him.”

I think Tengku might have even referred to Mahathir’s Indian origin once.

Mahathir said that he was barred from speaking events while in London several days ago. The events, organised by his son Mukhriz, involved England-based UMNO clubs where Mahathir was expected to explain his spate of criticisms against the government. This is astonishing news, that a former UMNO president was deliberately barred from addressing UMNO clubs.

He said: “They tell me not to speak to the rival parties or any NGOs. But they don’t give me a chance to speak to UMNO people. But if what is done is right, then what is there to fear?”

Oh dear again, UMNO, why are you people so scared of a former PM?

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