Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times Page 49

  Adding to the turmoil in UMNO, Dr. Mahathir led a chorus blaming Abdullah for the rout and called on him, yet again, to quit. Tengku Razaleigh, the former finance minister, announced he would challenge Abdullah for the leadership. In the fluid political scene, where it was almost impossible to forecast what might happen next, Abdullah accepted responsibility for the dismal performance. He indicated he would step down in favour of Najib, his deputy, at some unspecified time beyond the annual UMNO General Assembly in December 2008 and before his next five-year term had expired.

  Spurred by what amounted to a psychological defeat for the government, Abdullah pursued some of the reforms he had promised in his first term. As if to redeem his own legacy, he appointed as de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim, a lawyer and former member of the Aliran reform movement, which itself had been a target of Dr. Mahathir's ire. Resisting pressures from within his own Cabinet and administration, Abdullah unveiled a package of measures that not only further impugned Dr. Mahathir's record but also set in motion events that could engulf the former prime minister in more controversy, if not legal proceedings.[92]

  Abdullah expressed regret over the 1988 episode in which six Supreme Court judges were suspended, three of whom were later dismissed, including the head of the judiciary, Salleh Abas. At a Bar Council dinner attended by the three surviving former judges and the families of the others, Abdullah offered financial compensation to the sacked men, acknowledging "the pain and the loss they have endured".[93]

  Abdullah was tiptoeing through a political and legal minefield in hoping to do enough to move on without seriously examining the past, arguing that to look back "would only serve to prolong the sense of crisis".[94] While some of the wronged judges or their relatives were pleased with the gesture, others indicated they would keep up the pressure to reopen the case. They wanted the government to apologize, which Zaid advocated, and they sought to expose those responsible for what he called "a serious blemish on our judicial history".[95] The implications, however, went far beyond that single event. Waiting on the sidelines were a number of influential People's Front politicians with sound reasons to think they also had been victimized by Mahathir-era courts and deserved the chance for redress. Among them were Anwar Ibrahim, Democratic Action Party leader Lim Guan Eng, who became chief minister of Penang after the election, and opposition parliamentarian Wee Choo Keong. They could be counted on to become more insistent in their demands for legal justice as they moved closer to the centre of political power.

  The findings of the royal commission into the videotape scandal spelled more trouble for Dr. Mahathir. In a 191-page report, the five commissioners found evidence that top government officials, including the former prime minister, a lawyer and a businessman were involved in fixing the appointment of judges. "We are of the view that there was, conceivably, an insidious movement" by Lingam, the lawyer, "with the covert assistance of his close friends", Vincent Tan, the businessman, and Tunku Adnan Mansor, then a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, "to involve themselves actively in the appointment of judges". In particular, the report said, they got involved in the appointment of Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as chief judge, Malaya, the third-highest position in the judiciary, and his subsequent promotion to president, court of appeal, the second-highest position. "In the process, Tun Mahathir Mohamad was also entangled," the report said.

  On Cabinet's orders, the attorney general was instructed to investigate the six people identified in the report for possible offences, such as obstruction of justice, sedition and leaking state secrets. Not only was Dr. Mahathir under official investigation, but he was also closely tied to three of the others. Based on Vincent Tan's testimony, the commissioners said it was clear that Tan, Lingam, Adnan and Dr. Mahathir were long-term friends and business associates "whose lives are inextricably linked both personally and in the tentacles" of Tan's corporate empire "and various business projects" that required the former prime minister's backing.

  Dr. Mahathir responded with a mixture of bravado and belligerence, while issuing a threat of his own. He saw the Abdullah administration's actions not as steps towards restoring public faith in the judiciary but as an attempt to "draw allegations against me for my alleged misdeeds" and to "shut my mouth should I find occasion to criticize the present government".[96] He welcomed any move to investigate him. "But don't give up halfway and claim there is no case against me," he said. "I want to go all the way to court. Let me expose many other things in open court."[97]

  Soon after, Dr. Mahathir resigned from UMNO, saying he would rejoin once Abdullah was no longer leading the party. It seemed to be a desperate attempt to persuade UMNO's 3.2 million members to choose between him and Abdullah, and it contradicted his parting advice to them five years earlier to "be loyal" and "put the party first".[98] The most notable members who answered Dr. Mahathir's appeal to follow him were his wife and their wealthy businessman son, Mokhzani, who once was treasurer of the party's youth wing but was no longer active in politics. Another son, Mukhriz, who won a parliamentary seat in the election and joined his father in demanding that Abdullah resign, remained in UMNO.

  Although Dr. Mahathir's standing, image and dignity had taken a battering, and he was left exposed to further reputational damage and possible criminal charges, he could never be counted out. Abdullah's indecisiveness following the election debacle created a longing among some Malays for the orderliness and predictability of the Mahathir era. With a distinct whiff of nostalgia in the air, Abdullah was forced to retire early in 2009, before a previously agreed 2010 deadline. He fell victim to an UMNO power play led by Muhyiddin Yassin, a vice president and former ally, subtly supported by Najib. Both were urged on by Dr. Mahathir, writing in his blog, who said they were the best two leaders to run the country.[99] Under the new arrangement, UMNO's General Assembly was postponed for three months, until March 2009. Abdullah agreed not to contest the presidency of the party and Najib was the only candidate to replace him. Muhyiddin defeated a rival in a ballot to become deputy party president.

  The backroom choreographed leadership transition ended Abdullah's generally unhappy prime ministership, which was hobbled by his own ineptitude and lethargy, but also obstructed by entrenched UMNO interests opposed to reform. Although Abdullah near the end managed to push several bills through Parliament aimed at restoring confidence in the judiciary and strengthening the fight against corruption, almost no one had a good word to say for the watered-down pieces of legislation.[100] Abdullah was angered by the open politicking of Dr. Mahathir and Muhyiddin to get him to quit even earlier. He said Dr. Mahathir had left UMNO, but was still issuing orders to party members. "Who is he?" Abdullah said.[101]

  Abdullah found out who Dr. Mahathir was on 28 March 2009, the final session of the five-day General Assembly. Wearing a striking mauve shirt and accompanied by his wife Dr. Siti Hasmah, Dr. Mahathir made an unscheduled appearance, entering the hall as Muhyiddin, the newly-crowned deputy leader, was speaking. More than 2,500 delegates rose spontaneously and gave the Mahathirs a thunderous ovation, bringing proceedings to a halt. Invited onto the stage later by Najib, Dr. Mahathir went through the motions of reconciling with Abdullah and was photographed between the two of them, holding their hands aloft in what was meant as a show of new-found UMNO unity. Dr. Mahathir announced he would rejoin UMNO, and Najib promised "a certain role" for him in the new administration.[102]

  While the theatrics would scarcely end factionalism in UMNO, there was no doubt about Dr. Mahathir's restoration. When Najib announced his Cabinet after being sworn in on 3 April as Malaysia's sixth prime minister, Mukhriz Mahathir was made deputy minister of international trade and industry. Left out was Khairy Jamaluddin, Abdullah's son-in-law, who had a fortnight earlier defeated Mukhriz for the leadership of UMNO Youth, and who was the object of much of the elder Mahathir's ridicule. Dr. Mahathir was back near the centre of power.

  Notes

  Beh Lih Yi, "Be a 'Jantan', Leave UMNO, Mahathir Tol
d", 26 June 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/53031 (accessed 2 September 2008).

  Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 31 March 2008.

  "Mahathir Confirms Heir, Rejects Official Role", Kyodo, 8 July 2002, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDQ/is_2002_July_8/ai_88685580/ (accessed 12 April 2009).

  Fauwaz Abdul Aziz, "Q&A: Najib 'Scared' He Wouldn't be Picked as DPM", 9 May 2007, http://malaysiakini.com/news/66986 (accessed 30 August 2008).

  Ibid.

  Interview with Daim Zainuddin, 18 October 2007.

  Interview with Abdullah Ahmad, 16 August 2007.

  Ibid.

  Leslie Lopez, "He's No Mahathir, and That's OK", Far Eastern Economic Review, 25 December 2003-1 January 2004, p. 12.

  Rehman Rashid, "Destinies Delayed (But Not Denied): Reflections on the Transition of Malaysian Administrations", in "Malaysia in Transition: The Battle for the Malay Mind", Trends in Southeast Asia, 8 (2003), Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, p. 5.

  Khoo Boo Teik, "De-Mahathirising Malaysia: Abdullah Badawi's Debt to Reformasi", Aliran Monthly, 2003: 8, http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/monthly/2003a/8k.html (accessed 30 August 2008).

  Rehman Rashid, "Malaysia's Transition to Abdullah", Far Eastern Economic Review, 4 September 2003, p. 24.

  Mahathir Mohamad, The Challenge (Petaling Jaya: Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd., 1986), p. 151.

  Ibid., pp. 140-153. Published originally as Menghadapi Cabaran (Kuala Lumpur: Pustaka Antara, 1976).

  Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 14 August 2007.

  Zainuddin Maidin, The Other Side of Mahathir (Kuala Lumpur: Utusan Publications & Distributors Sdn. Bhd., 1994), p. 223.

  Ibid., pp. 221, 224.

  Rehman Rashid, A Malaysian Journey (Petaling Jaya: Rehman Rashid, 1993), p. 210.

  Zainuddin Maidin, The Other Side of Mahathir, p. 240.

  Mahathir Mohamad, Reflections on Asia (Petaling Jaya: Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd., 2002), p. 121.

  S. Jayasankaran, "Behind the Politics, a Pressing Deficit", Far Eastern Economic Review, 4 March 2004, pp. 14-15.

  S. Jayasankaran, "In Better Hands", Far Eastern Economic Review, 4 March 2004, p. 42.

  Leslie Lopez, "Malaysia Premier Inherits Fallout From Rail Deal", Asian Wall Street Journal, 13 November 2003.

  Leslie Lopez, "Taking the Reins in Malaysia", Asian Wall Street Journal, 31 October 2003.

  "Spending on Development Projects Okay, Says Abdullah", Straits Times, 26 April 2006.

  Chandra Muzaffar, "Malaysian Politics: The Emerging Scenario Under Abdullah Badawi", in Trends in Southeast Asia, 15 (2003), Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, p. 8.

  Ibid., p. 8.

  Leslie Lopez, "Malaysian Court Reverses Anwar Sodomy Conviction", Asian Wall Street Journal, 3 September 2004.

  John Hilley, "Anwar and the Limits of Reform: Meaningful Problem-Solving Must See the Root of the Problem Itself", Aliran Monthly, 2004: 8, http://www.aliran.com/monthly/2004b/8f.html (accessed 26 January 2006).

  "Mahathir 'Mildly Surprised' by Anwar's Release", ABC News, 3 September 2004, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/09//03/1191099.htm (accessed 11 April 2009).

  K. Kesavapany, "Promising Start to Malaysia-Singapore Relations", in Saw Swee-Hock and K. Kesavapany, eds, Malaysia: Recent Trends and Challenges (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2006), pp. 275-286.

  John Funston, "The Malay Electorate in 2004: Reversing the 1999 Result?", in Malaysia: Recent Trends and Challenges, p. 145.

  Ibid., 147.

  S. Jayasankaran, "A Vote of Confidence", Far Eastern Economic Review, 1 April 2004, p. 18.

  John Funston, "The Malay Electorate in 2004: Reversing the 1999 Result?", pp. 141, 149-151.

  S. Jayasankaran, "Surprise Setback", Far Eastern Economic Review, 7 October 2004, p. 18.

  Email correspondence with Mahathir Mohamad, 25 June 2008.

  Leslie Lopez, "Gaming License Sparks Contention in Malaysia", Asian Wall Street Journal, 25 October 2004.

  Ibid.

  Interview with Abdullah Ahmad, 23 March 2007.

  Leslie Lopez, "Malaysian Premier Quells Proton Revolt", Asian Wall Street Journal, 19 April 2004; "Mahathir's Clout Roils Malaysian Auto Maker", Asian Wall Street Journal, 4 February 2005; "Proton Ousts Mahaleel as Chief Executive", Asian Wall Street Journal, 26 July 2005.

  S. Jayasankaran, "Tycoons in Trouble", Far Eastern Economic Review, 15 January 2004, p. 50.

  "Mahathir Condemns 'Gutless' PM", BBC News, 2 May 2006, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4963910.stm (accessed 30 August 2008).

  Interview with Mahathir Mohamad, 20 March 2007.

  "Mahathir's Scathing Attack", transcript of press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Straits Times, 9 June 2006.

  Email correspondence with Abdullah Badawi, 12 July 2008.

  Azly Rahman, "Brand New Malay Dilemma", 12 June 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/52367 (accessed 2 September 2008).

  Fauwaz Abdul Aziz, "Mahathir Vents Frustration on DVD", 11 May 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/50965 (accessed 30 August 2008).

  Star/Asia News Network, Bernama, "UMNO Veterans Warn Against Possible Rift", Straits Times, 10 June 2006.

  Leslie Lopez, "Malaysia May Be the Loser in Public Feud", Straits Times, 9 June 2006.

  "Dr. Mahathir Should Have Taken on Mantle of Statesman After Retirement, says Karpal", Bernama, 7 April 2008, http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/archive/Soc/soc.culture.malaysia/2008-04/msg00610.html (accessed 8 April 2008).

  "An Open Letter by Tun Dr. Mahathir", Star, 28 October 2006.

  "Mahathir Attacks Government in Cyberspace", 24 April 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/50184 (accessed 2 September 2008).

  Leslie Lau, "Corruption in the Force", Straits Times, 17 May 2005.

  Leslie Lopez, "Mahathir Set on Stepping Up Attacks Despite Loss", Straits Times, 12 September 2006.

  Carolyn Hong, "Abdullah Saddened by Dr M's 'Stronger Doses of Venom'", Straits Times, 27 October 2006.

  Fauwaz Abdul Aziz, "Dr M: PM's Sons Have No Business with Govt", 24 May 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/51483 (accessed 30 August 2008).

  Seth Mydans, "In Malaysia, Leader is Sidelined, But Not Silenced", International Herald Tribune, 5 July 2006.

  "Mahathir's Scathing Attack", transcript of press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

  Mustafa K. Anuar, "'Muzzled': The Media in Mahathir's Malaysia", in Bridget Welsh, ed., Reflections: The Mahathir Years (Washington: Southeast Asia Studies Program, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 2004), pp. 489-491.

  "Asia 1999: Country Report: Malaysia", Committee to Protect Journalists, http://www.cpj.org/attacks99/asia99/Malaysia.html (accessed 2 March 2006).

  Mustafa K. Anuar, "'Muzzled': The Media in Mahathir's Malaysia", p. 487.

  "Asia 1999: Country Report: Malaysia", Committee to Protect Journalists.

  John Berthelsen, "Second Malaysian Journalist is Arrested Under Secrets Act", Asian Wall Street Journal, 4 November 1985.

  Anil Netto, "Clampdown on Media Freedom", Aliran Monthly, http://www.aliran.com/monthly/2003/1d.html (accessed 1 January 2006).

  "Q&A: I'm Disappointed, Says Mahathir", 23 May 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/51427 (accessed 30 August 2008).

  From 1 January 2009, http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/.

  Soon Li Tsin, "Report Card: Pak Lah Fails", 31 October 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/58798 (accessed 2 September 2008).

  Hannah Beech, "Not the Retiring Type", Time, 6 November 2006, p. 39.

  "An Open Letter by Tun Dr. Mahathir".

  "Pak Lah has 'Habit of Lying': Dr. M", 11 September 2006, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/56587 (accessed 2 September 2008).

  Interview with Mahathir associate, 30 May 2007.

  Carolyn Hong, "Stage Set for a Battle to the Bitter End", Straits Times, 28 October 2006.

  Interview with Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, 17 January 2008.

  Leslie Lope
z, "Attacks on Abdullah Starting to Hurt Dr. M", Straits Times, 2 November 2006.

  Carolyn Hong, "Mahathir Hits Out at Abdullah One Day after 'Peace Talks'", Straits Times, 24 October 2006.

  "Pak Lah has 'Habit of Lying': Dr. M".

  Carolyn Hong, "Malaysians Lap Up News on ex-PM's Health", Straits Times, 3 October 2007.

  Assif Shameen, "Abdullah Set to Realize Vision 2020", Straits Times, 13 September 2006.

  Bernama, Agence France-Presse, "Abdullah Refutes Claims of Being Weak", Straits Times, 4 March 2008.

  Associated Press, "KL is Winning Anti-Graft Fight, Says Abdullah", Straits Times, 13 April 2007.

  Reme Ahmad, "Istana Zakaria — Klang's Latest Tourist Attraction", Sunday Times, 5 November 2006.

  New Straits Times, "Klang UMNO Chief Quits State Post Over Scandals", Straits Times, 4 November 2006.

  Leslie Lopez, "Govt Bailout Looms for Port Klang Project", Straits Times, 13 August 2007.

  Ibid.

  Carolyn Hong, "Abdullah Lashes Out", Straits Times, 7 April 2008.

  "Dr M & Eusoff: Competing in Selective Amnesia?", 19 January 2008, http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/77222 (accessed 21 January 2008).

  Farish A. Noor, "Malaysia's Shame", News Today, 14 July 2007.

  Joseph Liow, "Islam Hadhari: A Slogan Gone Cold?", Straits Times, 23 February 2008.

  Chow Kum Hor, "Abdullah Loses Support of Indian Community", Straits Times, 26 January 2008.

  Steven Gan, "An Incompetent, Not-So-Nice Guy", 27 November 2007, http://malaysiakini.com/editorials/75321 (accessed 25 April 2006).

  Leslie Lopez, "Abdullah to Unveil Judicial Reforms Today", Straits Times, 17 April 2008.

  Ibid.

  Ibid.

  Zaid Ibrahim, "Fixing Malaysia's Judiciary", Wall Street Journal Asia, 20 May 2008.

  "Apology for Chief Justice's Sacking: No", Straits Times, 9 April 2008.