Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Tun is free to talk to anyone
UMNO has effectively deprived Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of the outside chance of being able to address the UMNO delegates in the upcoming UMNO general assembly when he lost - the old man himself charged money politics engineered the result - in the Kubang Pasu division elections on Saturday. By ensuring his humiliation, UMNO may have in fact, cut off Tun's emotional ties to the party he set up (UMNO Baru in 1987). He is unhindered, free, to talk to anyone he wishes to help build up the momentum to push out his successor. That he is still powerful, there is no doubt; his personna is extremely powerful and iconic to all Malaysians and will continue to be for some time to come long after he departs this world. This defeat in Kubang Pasu really is not the end for Tun.
Tun has for so long demonstrated an almost frightening ability to outsmart his political opponents - both within UMNO and outside. What if he decides to flirt with the Opposition and the non-governmental organisations, for the sole purpose of elevating himself to be a major thorn in his successor's side? It is worth remembering that Tun still has a lot of wealthy supporters who will ensure funds are made available to sustain a long-term silent campaign to embarass and harangue the Prime Minister. In an endurance contest of this sort, I don't see how the Prime Minister despite being 20 years younger than the old man, can come up tops if the economy continues to labour. Tun has already indicated that only jail will stop him from speaking out. The old man is making it loud and clear that he is not going to stop his attacks on the Prime Minister.
If Tun is around when the next elections take place, what would his influence be? Where will he plant his flag? It will certainly embarass and irreparably damage the Prime Minister if the ruling coalition's control is severely dented if there is a Mahathir factor. Such an event would most certainly force the Prime Minister out in the ensuing political repercussions within UMNO. Tun could already be contemplating such a scenario. ¶ 4:36 PM
Tun has for so long demonstrated an almost frightening ability to outsmart his political opponents - both within UMNO and outside. What if he decides to flirt with the Opposition and the non-governmental organisations, for the sole purpose of elevating himself to be a major thorn in his successor's side? It is worth remembering that Tun still has a lot of wealthy supporters who will ensure funds are made available to sustain a long-term silent campaign to embarass and harangue the Prime Minister. In an endurance contest of this sort, I don't see how the Prime Minister despite being 20 years younger than the old man, can come up tops if the economy continues to labour. Tun has already indicated that only jail will stop him from speaking out. The old man is making it loud and clear that he is not going to stop his attacks on the Prime Minister.
If Tun is around when the next elections take place, what would his influence be? Where will he plant his flag? It will certainly embarass and irreparably damage the Prime Minister if the ruling coalition's control is severely dented if there is a Mahathir factor. Such an event would most certainly force the Prime Minister out in the ensuing political repercussions within UMNO. Tun could already be contemplating such a scenario. ¶ 4:36 PM
