Progress and succession in Malaysia

The problem of succession in Malaysia was cleared up by the statement made by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (71) that he was confident that Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (50) would take over his position when the time comes. Mahathir's statement on the succession was made public a month after he marked the 15th year of his term as prime minister, a position he assumed on July 6, 1981.

Apart from providing transparence regarding the succession issue, Mahathir also rebutted allegations of nepotism on his part, of assisting his children in politics or providing them with "facilities" in business.

Malaysia provides a typical example of success in a developing country. Whereas during the 1980s Malaysia was a commodities- based economy, the country is at present developing into an export-oriented one.

Our impression is that this country of 16 million people will become one of the biggest economic powers in the region, intent on challenging its Southeast Asian neighbors with the Vision 2020 plan outlined by Mahathir. It must be admitted that the economic successes of Malaysia have been the fruit of the hard work of Mahathir, the doctor-turned-politician.

For Malaysia it is a logical consequence that development has increased the political acumen of its people, particularly of the middle class. So it is quite natural that various groups in society, particularly the media, should be discussing the issue of succession, which is no longer a political taboo.

Mahathir quite accurately anticipated those demands for openness and at the same time trivialized distracting issues by openly and clearly stating that Anwar will eventually be his successor. It seems proper that we pay due regard to the fact that the handling of such a delicate political issue -- a succession in the national leadership -- has been so effortlessly resolved by Mahathir.

-- Kompas, Jakarta