Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had accused his arch-nemesis Anwar Ibrahim of
attempting to replicate an Arab Spring on Malaysian soil, once again
warned about the perils of such a rebellious endeavour.
In his latest blog posting, the former prime minister claims that a bad government is better than an unstable government.
Although Mahathir was talking about the possibility of military intervention in Syria, his posting also reaffirmed his views on the political developments back home.
“People who rise against their government must know that it is risky and success is not guaranteed. And outside help cannot be depended upon. Such help will tarnish the image of the rebels. They will lose the support of many,” he says.
“We see this happening in Egypt. Some people are already beginning to think that (Hosny) Mubarak’s rule was better. At least the country was stable and people could go about their business and earn a living.
“With the demonstrations against Mubarak and then against (Mohammed) Morsi (left) and now against the military rulers, the instability is hurting ordinary people. They wish the rebellion had never taken place,” Mahathir says.
Next generation more ‘appreciative’ of democracy
While regime change might be desirable, Mahathir noted that it was wrong for the West to force it on people who might not be ready for it.
The process, he said, must be through education and the slow spread of the principles of democracy and its weaknesses.
“The focus should be on the next generation, which would be more appreciative of the good points of democracy and understand how it works,” adds Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, who critics claim flagrant violations of human rights and democratic principles filled his 22-years in power.
“The most important point is that some will lose in elections. They must then be patient enough to wait for the next election.
“If the government is really bad, it will not win the next election. The losers in the last election may then have a chance to win. And when they win, a genuine regime change will take place,” he adds.
Following the 13th general election, Anwar (left) and the opposition bloc accused the ruling coalition of using fraudulent means to remain in power.
The opposition then kick-started its “Black 505" campaign, which Mahathir and BN leaders described as an attempt by the opposition leader to ignite a rebellion similar to the Arab Spring.
Similar accusations were also levelled at electoral watchdog Bersih during its mammoth rallies.
In his latest blog posting, the former prime minister claims that a bad government is better than an unstable government.
Although Mahathir was talking about the possibility of military intervention in Syria, his posting also reaffirmed his views on the political developments back home.
“People who rise against their government must know that it is risky and success is not guaranteed. And outside help cannot be depended upon. Such help will tarnish the image of the rebels. They will lose the support of many,” he says.
“We see this happening in Egypt. Some people are already beginning to think that (Hosny) Mubarak’s rule was better. At least the country was stable and people could go about their business and earn a living.
“With the demonstrations against Mubarak and then against (Mohammed) Morsi (left) and now against the military rulers, the instability is hurting ordinary people. They wish the rebellion had never taken place,” Mahathir says.
Next generation more ‘appreciative’ of democracy
While regime change might be desirable, Mahathir noted that it was wrong for the West to force it on people who might not be ready for it.
The process, he said, must be through education and the slow spread of the principles of democracy and its weaknesses.
“The focus should be on the next generation, which would be more appreciative of the good points of democracy and understand how it works,” adds Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, who critics claim flagrant violations of human rights and democratic principles filled his 22-years in power.
“The most important point is that some will lose in elections. They must then be patient enough to wait for the next election.
“If the government is really bad, it will not win the next election. The losers in the last election may then have a chance to win. And when they win, a genuine regime change will take place,” he adds.
Following the 13th general election, Anwar (left) and the opposition bloc accused the ruling coalition of using fraudulent means to remain in power.
The opposition then kick-started its “Black 505" campaign, which Mahathir and BN leaders described as an attempt by the opposition leader to ignite a rebellion similar to the Arab Spring.
Similar accusations were also levelled at electoral watchdog Bersih during its mammoth rallies.
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