93‑Year‑Old Mr. Power: Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s Roller‑Coaster of a Second Term
Picture a man who’s apparently still breathing—he’s 93, world‑wide veteran of politics, and the guy who just spent his 20th decade as Malaysia’s prime minister. Mahathir Mohamad says the weight of his new role is crushing him, from battling China’s influence to trying to rid the country of a US$250 billion national debt (roughly RM1 trillion).
The Dr. Hook‑Nosed, Gay‑Rights‑Grumble, Cancer‑Struggling Leader
- He’s still the sharpest, most straight‑talking man around—his candor spills over even when he’s stuffing up the cabinet.
- Health’s a check‑up with ““It’s exhausting,” he admits—his second stint demanded more than the first, all while the government machinery feels like a wrecked car.
The May Triumph and its After‑effects
The May election was a shock elevator shot: the long‑running Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ruling for 60 years, was toppled. The 1MDB scandal was the tipping point—people simply enough after months of graft and racially divisive politics.
Najib Tun Razak and wife Rosmah have been arrested, handed 38 corruption charges, and face long prison terms. A US$270 million haul of cash, jewellery, and designer handbags was seized from their properties. Mufti-level figures, from the central bank chief to the Attorney General, have walked the floor, leaving the administration in a “big hole” that Mahathir’s team is trying to plug.
Kiddie Cabinet vs. Clone‑Batch Coalition
- Mahathir’s coalition was a “cobble‑together” of former foes, including former nemesis, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the presiding successor.
- Benched with a wall of political bad‑guys who previously helped Najib snake the country’s institutions.
- The chaos triggered by the former regime’s desire to “secure a victory” through its institutions left many government pillars rotten.
China: Passthrough or Power‑Game?
Mahathir is known for canceling a string of China‑backed megaprojects—think high‑speed rail, gas pipelines—those were “dubious deals” that seemed to give an extra payday to the debt‑gobbling Najib. This decision has lit up the concerns that Malaysia might lose a cordial relationship with Beijing. Fortunately he insists, “We just cannot afford it,” and that the overall friendship remains intact.
What Is the Big Blow‑up Over?
He is making headlines in two ways: first, the bank and the race‑based politics, and second, the potential of an authoritarian revival. During his first term (1981‑2003) he was nicknamed a “totalitarian” and persecuted opposition—he has a soft spot for authoritarianism (“
We needed to protect the system …
”). He still says he loves the “initial truth” regarding same‑sex marriage and anti‑Jew stereotypes.
The Biggest Hype: The Succession Story
There’s a universal understanding that Mahathir will push Anwar to the top in two years. Anwar got a free release after a jail stay, re‑elected in parliament, and has a history of fighting off out‑laws. Mahathir tells the press, “I have worked with him before… No issue, I can work with everyone.”
Behind the Bench: The Age That Can’t Let Him Stay Power‑Hauls
The 93‑year‑old truth: Mahathir admits age is catching up. The reality is there are no choice but to “hand over powers” in a “Hand‑over ceremony.” And he tells the news we have a promise—let’s keep promises, especially one that “I will keep my promise.”
So What’s Up Next for Malaysia?
Malaysian voters see the ailing man who used to be a political force and it’s up to the next generation to bring the nation through a boreal maze of debts, China deal along with a summer of hope, human rights, and the controversial “sociopolitical ferment.” The image himself will have to “hand over the throne.” Unlock that next‑step, Mahathir hope, and we can watch the next chapter unfold with a spirit that’s speeches, puns, and a magic number’s so-called “progress.”
