Mahathir reigns until 2020?

Mahathir reigns until 2020?

The wish to rule Malaysia for 25 more years expressed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently is very interesting indeed as it is related to democratization efforts in the country as well as grooming for leaders. By then, Mahathir who has ruled the peninsula for 13 years will be 95.

Even if Mahathir does not reach that age, it will give him the chance to become head of state for life.

"A five-year period for a government is not sufficient. Many say that a leader who rules for more than one period will become a dictator. But in Malaysia, Barisan Nasional has devoted itself for 44 years and we have never forgotten our responsibility to the people," he said in front of 3,709 delegates of the ruling coalition of 14 parties.

No one doubts the achievement of Malaysia under Mahathir. And the 2020 target for Malaysia to become an advanced country is very realistic.

We attribute his strong leadership, good reputation and brilliant performance on the international political stage partly to Malaysia's political culture which is predominantly Malay.

Mahathir has become a fatherly figure for the nation who has greatly contributed to the development of the country. From the country's political culture point of view, such a leader is replaceable only in the event of death or resignation. Traditionally, the United Malay National Organization (UMNO) chairman is unopposed in the party's congress.

Succession is a unique issue in Malaysia due to the Malay culture. The position of the UMNO chairman is unlikely to be challenged, allowing political rivalry only on the second level of leadership. Mahathir's wish to rule for another 25 years must have given politicians in this level reason to rethink their strategy.

-- Kompas, Jakarta