International
Mahathir in no hurry to quit arena
By Amit Baruah
SINGAPORE, JAN. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, has announced that he could contest the next general election under ``certain circumstances''.
Dr. Mahathir (76), in an interview to the official Bernama news agency, made it clear that he would be around in the political arena for some time to come.
Earlier, the veteran Malaysian leader had gone on record to say that he would quit before the next general elections, which are due by the end of 2004.
``I think I will go to the ground. The question is whether I will contest. No matter who contests, it is my duty to give full support to UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) candidates, Barisan Nasional (National Front) candidates,'' Dr. Mahathir said.
There has been some speculation that the Prime Minister may announce elections earlier than scheduled given the fact that the ruling alliance seems to have scored points over the Opposition, especially the Parti Islamse Malaysia (PAS). ``I am 76. The desire to ensure Barisan Nasional's success is there but Barisan Nasional can achieve success even if I do not contest or am no longer the leader.
``There is a possibility but in certain situations if I am required to contest, I will contest,'' Dr. Mahathir maintained.
Asked about ``money politics'' in UMNO, he claimed that the situation had improved slightly following some action taken by the party's supreme council.
The Prime Minister was confident that with less ``money politics'', the political organisation would be able to do better in the next general elections.
``I believe that in the next general election, UMNO will show better performance as even now many people are interested to (sic) join UMNO. The present UMNO leaders are more serious. They have realised (their mistakes) and ceased actions that could destroy UMNO,'' he said.
There is little doubt that in the post-September 11 scenario, the Prime Minister has been able to push the Islamist PAS party into a corner by painting a grim picture of the party and the links of some of its leaders with a Mujahideen group allegedly trying to overthrow the Government.
After the loss of some seats in the last general election and a crucial by-election defeat and the criticism from within UMNO, it appeared that Dr. Mahathir was a fading political star.
But, true to style, Dr. Mahathir, who is one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in the world, has bounced back and is now gearing up to fight another general election.
In December 2000, the Prime Minister had made it clear that he would step down before the next general elections. At that time, he made it clear that only the timing of his stepping down was to be determined.
``Whether just before or long before, it will depend on our assessment,'' he had said at the time.
In an interview with The Hindu last year, the Prime Minister, when asked whether he would lead the Barisan Nasional into the next general elections, had said with a chuckle: ``I don't know about that. But I will be around for a little more time.''
It is possible that Dr. Mahathir wants to show once again that his political base remains intact and the losses suffered were only of a temporary nature. Another political contest will allow the Prime Minister to prove this on the ground.
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