Mahathir is out on another outrageous claim?
By Azni Humaira Mohd Husni
Letter to editor
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad again has made claims that border on paranoia, suggesting that foreign leaders were prevented from meeting him during their visits to Malaysia.
These assertions from a leader who was one of the most powerful men in Malaysia for decades seem less like genuine concerns and more like a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the national conversation.
This latest controversy follows another baseless accusation by Mahathir, his claim that Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah, once told his son that it was “their family’s turn to steal money.”
Kamaluddin has denied this outrageous allegation, further exposing Mahathir’s tendency to make explosive claims without substantiating proof.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outright dismissed allegations that his government has prevented visits to Mahathir by foreign leaders, stating that no such restrictions were placed on any foreign leader.
As Anwar rightly pointed out, leaders from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Turkey have visited Malaysia, yet none requested a meeting with Mahathir.
If they had, Anwar insists, there would have been no reason to deny them.
Yet, rather than offering concrete proof of his claims, Mahathir has resorted to vague insinuations, stating in a recent podcast interview that leaders from “two or three countries” were barred from seeing him.
The lack of specifics only further weakens his credibility. If this were a legitimate issue, why not name these so-called leaders himself?
Why rely on opposition politicians such as Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal to make unverified claims on his behalf?
The only named leader, ostensibly according to Wan Fayhsal, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has not confirmed these allegations, and no official statement from Turkey supports this version of events.
Unfortunately for Mahathir, Malaysians have seen this act before. Mahathir’s insistence on playing the victim is not new.
Over the years, he has perfected the art of grievance politics, positioning himself as a persecuted elder statesman whenever his influence wanes.
This latest episode follows a familiar pattern: make grand accusations, provide little evidence, and allow his supporters to fan the flames of controversy.
The irony is that Mahathir was known for his strong-handed control over political discourse during his tenure.
He was often a far cry from his ideal politician, who must be courageous enough to follow the rules, a comment he made in the same interview where he claimed that he was “firewalled” from foreign visitors.
He frequently sidelined opponents, controlled media narratives, and maintained a firm grip on his “interpretation” of free speech and movement.
The idea that he is now a victim of suppression is not just ironic. It is almost laughable.
At 99 years old, Mahathir would do well to reflect on his legacy rather than engage in petty political feuds.
Manufacturing controversy about supposed diplomatic snubs only detracts from the real issues that the country faces.
If Mahathir truly wishes to continue contributing to the nation, he should do so in a manner befitting a true statesman, not as a politician grasping for relevance. —Feb 26, 2025
Azni Humaira Mohd Husni
Letter to editor
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad again has made claims that border on paranoia, suggesting that foreign leaders were prevented from meeting him during their visits to Malaysia.
These assertions from a leader who was one of the most powerful men in Malaysia for decades seem less like genuine concerns and more like a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the national conversation.
This latest controversy follows another baseless accusation by Mahathir, his claim that Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah, once told his son that it was “their family’s turn to steal money.”
Kamaluddin has denied this outrageous allegation, further exposing Mahathir’s tendency to make explosive claims without substantiating proof.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outright dismissed allegations that his government has prevented visits to Mahathir by foreign leaders, stating that no such restrictions were placed on any foreign leader.
As Anwar rightly pointed out, leaders from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Turkey have visited Malaysia, yet none requested a meeting with Mahathir.
If they had, Anwar insists, there would have been no reason to deny them.
Yet, rather than offering concrete proof of his claims, Mahathir has resorted to vague insinuations, stating in a recent podcast interview that leaders from “two or three countries” were barred from seeing him.
The lack of specifics only further weakens his credibility. If this were a legitimate issue, why not name these so-called leaders himself?
Why rely on opposition politicians such as Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal to make unverified claims on his behalf?
The only named leader, ostensibly according to Wan Fayhsal, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has not confirmed these allegations, and no official statement from Turkey supports this version of events.
Unfortunately for Mahathir, Malaysians have seen this act before. Mahathir’s insistence on playing the victim is not new.
Over the years, he has perfected the art of grievance politics, positioning himself as a persecuted elder statesman whenever his influence wanes.
This latest episode follows a familiar pattern: make grand accusations, provide little evidence, and allow his supporters to fan the flames of controversy.
The irony is that Mahathir was known for his strong-handed control over political discourse during his tenure.
He was often a far cry from his ideal politician, who must be courageous enough to follow the rules, a comment he made in the same interview where he claimed that he was “firewalled” from foreign visitors.
He frequently sidelined opponents, controlled media narratives, and maintained a firm grip on his “interpretation” of free speech and movement.
The idea that he is now a victim of suppression is not just ironic. It is almost laughable.
At 99 years old, Mahathir would do well to reflect on his legacy rather than engage in petty political feuds.
Manufacturing controversy about supposed diplomatic snubs only detracts from the real issues that the country faces.
If Mahathir truly wishes to continue contributing to the nation, he should do so in a manner befitting a true statesman, not as a politician grasping for relevance. —Feb 26, 2025
Azni Humaira Mohd Husni
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