Mahathir Mo‑Moves: The 92‑Year‑Old Maverick Takes Langkawi
In a move that reads like the plot of a classic political thriller, the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan has slapped the name of former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad onto the Langkawi ballot. The decision came Sunday, just as the national race is heating up for the May 9 showdown.
Why Langkawi? Why Now?
The island, a paradise for beach lovers, has also become a political hot‑spot. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the coalition’s president, reminded everyone that Mahathir hit its beaches first way back in 1956 as a budding government doctor. Fast‑forward to his premiership (1981‑2003) and he’s credited with smashing the old structures and turning the archipelago into a symbol of progress.
- Mahathir’s first visit in the 1950s → civic doctor.
- Long‑running prime minister (1981‑2003) → big‑brain reforms.
- His run‑off in Langkawi → a strategic move to rally voters.
Old Mentor, New Challenger
Najib Razak, the fighting 64‑year‑old, has been the party’s face this year, under pressure to win amid rising living costs and a state‑wealth scandal that’s been all but headline news. Yet Mahathir, who once mentored Najib, is now line‑up his own machine to battle his former protégé. If the debate were a TV game show, it would be the most on‑air matchup since independence in 1957.
The 6‑hour “Midweek” Vote?
The election commission’s decision to push the poll to Wednesday, May 9, is seen by resistance groups as a clever tactic to keep many Malayans living abroad from casting their ballots. Forget about a democratic domino—these votes help the incumbent clique tighten their grip.
Final Thoughts
Between the old power‑houses and the fresh veteran campaigner, the stage is set for a duel that’s as much about history as it is about the future. Will Mahathir’s 92‑year‑old charm and political smarts outshine Najib’s current crack under pressure? Only the vote will tell.
