Mahathir to step down before next poll

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, DEC. 28. The veteran Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, has confirmed that he will relinquish power before the next general elections due in November 2004.

In an interview to the Bernama news agency, Dr. Mahathir, however, said that the timing of the handover had not been determined.

``Whether just before or long before (the next elections), it will depend on our assessment,'' Dr. Mahathir said. ``The succession is determined.''

``The reason why I keep people guessing (about the transition) is that any hint I make about my stepping down or whatever, it will have an effect on the economy and the market. And I don't want my personal choice to have an effect on the market,'' he said.

Dr. Mahathir said he had to go one day. ``If I drop dead, I won't be around, somebody has to take over.'' However, he said he would be active in politics, in the United Malays National Organisation, a group which he currently heads.

``Even if I am not the Prime Minister, whatever knowledge that I have and that I can contribute to the party, I will do so,'' the Prime Minister told the Malaysian news agency.

Asked in which capacity he would serve UMNO, Dr. Mahathir said: ``May be if they need to ask me any question about anything, I will be prepared to answer. If they want me to do some work...perhaps I will do it if I can.''

Dr. Mahathir, who has been Prime Minister since 1981, turned 75 on December 20. His declared successor is the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. As and when Dr. Mahathir relinquishes power, major changes are likely in Malaysian politics. For over 20 years now, the politics have been dominated by this medical doctor.

Asked if his departure from the scene would leave the country without someone of his capabilities, the Prime Minister replied in the negative. ``No, I don't think so (because) each Prime Minister is different from the other, his way of working, his style and his delivery....things will be done, but they will be done differently.''

According to him, the same policies would continue with some slight improvements, but ``basically they will be the same policies''.

Dr. Mahathir also rejected Opposition claims that he took decisions without consulting his Cabinet Ministers. ``It is a comment arising from a wrong perception. The Opposition has always tried to label me as a dictator, as someone who decided and does not care for the views of others.''

As Prime Minister, he put forward ideas, but it was up to the Cabinet to take a view on them. ``If the Cabinet does not accept, then of course the idea will not see the light of day and these things people will never know....as you know Cabinet meetings are secret....but I can assure you that everybody does speak and sometimes I tell them we don't have enough time.''

``So to assume that I am the only one laying down the law is wrong....''

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