Andleeb Abbas
Mahathir is back. Very rarely do we have a retired, passed his prime, legend make a comeback. Normally heroes and especially public figures are stuff made of folklore that is quoted in conferences and books of yester years that inspires generations in the future. Their absence in the public space causes a nostalgic desire to have them back especially if after retiring from the position or from life itself, the organization or the country, has not been able to sustain the development they had managed when they were in position. Thus the stunning electoral victory of 92-year-old Mahathir in Malaysia is unique and would set new records and theories of what leadership can be and can do.
It is also first of its kind in Malaysian politics. The ruling party has finally gone. Led by Mahathir, the opposition political alliance called Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) swept to a stunning and unexpected victory in the polls, overturning 61 years of Barisan Nasional rule. The major reason was Prime minister Najib Razzak’s involvement in a major corruption scandal. Mahathir’s ability to link it to the economic woes was what made the people of Malaysia reject the ruling party. Behind his campaign against corruption lay the 1MDB scandal i.e., 1Malaysia Development Berhad state investment fund. It was set up by the former Prime Minister Najib Razak to develop parts of Kuala Lumpur into a financial center and boost the economy. However in politics, plans rarely produce expected results. The fund’s debt ballooned and there were massive allegations of fraud and misconduct, as stated by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) which alleges $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) was misappropriated from 1MDB.
There are many parallels to be drawn between the problems currently Pakistan faces and what Malaysia faced. Corruption scandals have marred the ruling government in Pakistan too. 1MDB scandal was the biggest corruption and money laundering scandal in Malaysia while the Panama Papers is the biggest corruption and money laundering scandal in Pakistan. Instead of the economy developing the debt on the economy of Malaysia reached dangerous levels of 54% of the GDP while in Pakistan the debt is expected to reach $ 100 billion at the end of this government’s term with a debt to GDP ratio over 60%.
What is different about Malaysia is that in his previous 22-year-rule Mahathir had ensured three major developments in Malaysia. Firstly, a sound economic system that turned Malaysia from just an exporter of commodities to a manufacturing hub in the region. Secondly a sound education system in public schools that ensured science and mathematics as basic subjects for learning. Thirdly, a national pride in Malaysians by creating a defiance to the western economic policies and systems. He was blamed for being over authoritarian in many ways especially his opposition to Anwer Ibrahim who opposed him and was jailed and the man he now claims will take over as Prime Minister from him in a few years.
His style of leadership in the past had invited awe and criticism. He used an iron hand to curb corruption but also curbed opposition. He built in national pride and a penchant for local development but in the process initiated projects that turned out to be a drain on the economy. His policies and rule overall made the Malay people better off in many ways. Malaysia’s income per head rose from $2,320 when he took office to $8,920 when he left-a bigger rise than in most developing nations. He was a symbol of personal austerity and national pride unlike Najib Razzak whose corruption scandal and his wife’s designer handbags became a matter of social media ridicule. Najib’s coziness to Donald Trump, when he became his personal guest and being called as a great friend of Trump did not go well with the Malay sentiment of nationalism. Thus the electoral rejection was not totally unexpected but the margin of defeat was surprising.
Many analysts feel that Najib Razzak and his party ouster in Malaysia is very similar to the story of Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif has been involved in a case of money laundering and corruption and has been disqualified on it. Najib Razzak was implicated in a similar case but was cleared by the court. Like Najib Razzak’s family Nawaz Sharif and his family’s extravagant lifestyle has also been questioned and ridiculed in Pakistan. However, there is a difference in the electoral system and the voter demographics in Pakistan Vs Malaysia. Literacy rate in Pakistan is 58% while in Malaysia it is 94.6%. Herein lies the reason of why despite getting a court clearance Najib Razzak lost the election and why despite getting a court disqualification Nawaz Sharif’s party is still a main contender in the coming elections.
What Mahathir focused in his rule of over two decades was to make the Malaysians educated and more prosperous. This educated voter is aware enough to see through the rhetoric and statements of the people. In Pakistan, the 4 decades of rule of these governments have made sure that the education of the people of Pakistan remains low enough to make them believe their promises. Illiteracy combined with poverty has created a resignation to the system. This prime strategy is the reason why despite corruption being so widespread it has failed to become a voter revolt in Pakistan. The other advantage is that the educated voter of Malaysia is able to connect the link between corruption and economic development. They have seen taxes increase without the corresponding public benefits. These were the factors which made Mahathir make a comeback at this age.
The challenge for Mahathir is no less than it was when he first became the prime minister from 1981 to 2003. What worked then may not work now. His style needs to accommodate a world where access to information is faster than the blinking of an eye. While he needs to adopt zero tolerance to corruption he may need to adopt more tolerance to opposition and difference of opinion. If he does that he will outlive his life.
(The writer can be reached at [email protected])
