Mahathir to Koh: Just Quit as Gerakan’s President
November 18, 2011
Mahathir to Koh: Just Quit Presidency of Gerakan
Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on Dr Koh Tsu Koon to step down as Gerakan president for failing to lead his party properly.
Speaking to reporters today after a function in Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir said a leader must step down after making a major failure, as Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did as BN chief after the 2008 general elections.
“I am sorry to say this about Koh. Personally he is a very nice man but he has failed in his duty. Gerakan has failed as a result of this. If he is to lead Gerakan in the election then it may not bring the desired impact for BN. He has been there too long and is not effective and hence, he should resign,” he said.
The former Premier said the opportunity should be given to other Gerakan members as the party
has other capable leaders.Mahathir said in Malaysian culture, it was unfortunate that party leaders and ministers do not resign or take responsibility when something bad happens and instead overstay.
He suggested that Malaysia should instead adopt Japanese culture of governance, which see cabinet ministers resigning immediately after a major scandal. “We should not overstay. That is why I resign as I do not want to overstay my tenure as premiership and give Pak Lah a chance to show his capability”If not nobody knows his (Pak Lah’s) credibility,” he quipped.
Mahathir said he stood on to lead BN to victory in every general election during his 22-year premiership and with a two-thirds majority.
You write very well Din. Where/when did you interview the Tun for this piece?
lubodo - November 18, 2011 at 9:15 pm
“We should not overstay. That is why I resign as I do not want to overstay my tenure as premiership and give Pak Lah a chance …” — Mahathir
Is this some sort of joke??
Mr Prime Minister, you overstayed your welcome for 22 years. You managed to survive by manipulating the system, rigging party elections and demolishing your political opponents through foul than fair means.
Mr Bean - November 18, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Mahathir told me when I complained that there is too much organisational politiking when managers should be focusing on delivering customer value and thereby enhancing shareholder value “isn’t that life”. For him politics is life and the aim is to have political power and one must do whatever one can to retain that power, that is, the end justifies the means.–Din Merican
dinobeano - November 18, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Typical BN culture, stop kicking the person when he is down. poorah
orang malaya - November 18, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Hahaha…pot calling kettle black !
Mike - November 19, 2011 at 12:42 am
Actually, i’m starting to appreciate Octo’s wit and sarcasm. He’s one of a kind. No wonder he still has so many fans, mesmerized and intelligent as they are. He truly speaks his mind, or whatever’s left of it, doesn’t he?
I must’ve been living under a tempurung.. All this while griping, grumbling, chaffing and cursing beneath my breath, about this resident evil. But now i truly see the benefits of laughing out loud (LOL) – good for the lungs!
C.L. Familaris - November 19, 2011 at 1:54 am
All component parties are mere window dressing to Umno to fool the rakyat. Whoever helms each party is just filling his own pocket while fulfilling every wish of Umno….except Taib Mahmud who Umno has to play ball with to stay in federal power.
Rakyat Malaysia - November 19, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Is he for real? asking that man to step down when he didnt do so himself.
Kathy - November 19, 2011 at 5:48 pm