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