Mahathir Powers Up: A “Shadow” Manager for Malaysia
Old Prodigy Taps an Itinerary for the Next Two Years
During a video‑link chat with the Wall Street Journal in Tokyo, 92‑year‑old Mahathir Mohamad announced he might stay on as Malaysia’s prime minister for “one or two years.” He insists his fancy title would fade into the background once he hands the reins to the next guy.
How the Plan Goes
- Mahathir: “I’ll be the official prime minister for a while—just a temporary corner office.”
- Cruising out of the spotlight later: “But I’ll keep a finger in the back‑of‑the‑pocket.”
- Anwar Ibrahim: Released from jail this Wednesday, he’ll run for a parliament seat before possibly earning a cabinet slot.
- All four party leaders in the coalition will share equal weight—no special “super‑powers” for Anwar.
- Mahathir to keep the final say on cabinet appointments.
The Unlikely History of “Reformasi” and Sodomized “Fugitives”
Remember back in 1998? Mahathir ousted Anwar as deputy prime minister. Anwar then launched the Reformasi (Reform) movement in hopes of killing the rule‑by‑patronage circus that was the ruling party back then. The plan was stymied by charges of sodomy and corruption that Anwar denied, sent him to prison, and eventually Black‑listed him forever.
Ties With The Former Supreme Chancellor: Najib Razak
When Najib Razak was on the throne (and the 1MDB scandal erupted), Mahtahir’s mother‑favorable partnership turned sour. Now he says the government can hand a case against Najib “in a short while.” The veteran will only go to jail if there’s evidence. No “detention without trial”—that’s the big rule of thumb.
Key Points about Najib:
- 1MDB wasn’t about praising his name; the funds were allegedly siphoned into piggy banks in the sky.
- 1MDB advisory chairman Najib denied wrongdoing, and the attorney general ptc’d him to clear.
- Mahathir said investigation results will decide a prison sentence.
Foreign Relations & Economic Boom Questions
Malaysia’s old guardian also welcomes a new frenzy of foreign direct investment—especially from China. He insists it must create capital, tech, and jobs domestically.
Immigration Brace-Up
- “We all love to limit the boarding party,” he says.
- The country has a “same problem” as the UK: the number of new arrivals should keep under control.
In Short
Mahathir is gearing up for a “shadow” handover, gives Anwar a 2‑second comeback after jail, and promises the most pressing political drama: Najib’s fate. Back at the same time, he’s a man of consensus and genuine concerns for Malaysian economy, jobs, and immigration. The story threads through the old guard, fresh politicians, and a silent promise of power behind the throne.
