The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIANS should be merrier this year as they have two types of independence to celebrate, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

One, he said, was the 61st anniversary of the independence from the colonial powers and the second was the independence from the kleptocratic Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

“This should be a reason for Malaysians to celebrate this year’s national day in a bigger way. We should celebrate more this year than at any time.

“And I think people should fly their flags as much as possible,” Dr Mahathir told The Malaysian Insight.

This is the first time Malaysians celebrate the national day under a different ruling party.

Dr Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the May 9 general election to form a new federal government after 60 years of BN rule.

The prime minister said the change of government was done peacefully, just as when the nation got its independence from the British in 1957.

He also said that Malaysia was saved without the usual violence and killings.

“In other countries whenever there is a change in government, there will be violence.

“You look at what happened to many other countries like Egypt, all kinds of violence and street demonstrations, but we have managed it,” he said.

And this, Dr Mahathir said, was possible as the people had given PH a strong mandate to replace BN.

“If we had won by a small margin, that will be big problems, but the people gave us a good margin. Not completely two-thirds but strong enough for people to not deny we have won,” he said.

Following the takeover, the new government has been busy repairing the damage done by the old BN government, including the mismanagement of government resources and money, resulting in Dr Mahathir referring to the Najib Razak administration as a kleptocratic government.

Dr Mahathir explored the same issue in his Merdeka Day speech, which was telecast on national television tonight.

“Our lives are peaceful. The PH government assures justice for all Malaysians,” he said.

He added that the country had done well since its independence and it was once called the Asian Tiger. However, all these changed for the worse in recent years under BN rule, he said.

“The change in leadership brought about changes in approaches and policies. The democratic system and the rule of law were dropped and replaced by other means.

“As a result, Vision 2020 became an empty dream,” he said.

He added that the people finally achieved victory in GE14 but said they will have to wait for the wrongdoers of the past administration to be punished.

“Just like how we didn’t appreciate the ways of the previous government, we also should not rush in punishing these offenders. The rule of law must be followed,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also urged the people to work with his government to rebuild the nation.

“Our task is heavy but there is no power that can stop the government and the people from working together.”

He said his government will provide a good, capable and disciplined administration.

“We have managed to reduce our debts. The machinery of the government has been improved. And God willing, our actions will result in the country getting better.”

Dr Mahathir added that the government would stop giving out cash aid to the people and instead more job and business opportunities would be created. – August 30, 2018.