Mahathir’s victory

The overwhelming victory of Dr Mahathir Mohamad stands testimony to the fact that those who lay the foundation of progress and prosperity are respected and can be elected even at the age of 92. Mahathir has been granted the sobriquet ‘Bapa Pemodenan’ (father of modernisation) for enlightening and modernising Malaysia. With a political career spanning over 70 years, Mahathir transformed his country to a modern and emerging developing country of the world.

Wain, in his biography of Mahathir, written in 2010, said: “Rising living standards, together with Dr Mahathir’s showpiece buildings and outspoken defence of Malaysia’s interests, contributed to a sense of national identity, pride and confidence that had not existed before. He put Malaysia on the map, and most Malaysians were pleased about it”. Mahathir has raised voice against armed atrocities against innocent and helpless people in different parts of the world. It is hoped that his new regime will put pressure on countries like India and Israel which openly violate human rights. Can we, Pakistanis, dream of a father of modernisation?

Iftikhar Mirza

Islamabad