Editor's Note - Issue 2003:8
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In this special issue, we focus on Dr Mahathir Mohamad�s 22 years at the helm. Amidst talk of �continuity in policies� after October 2003, the cover story by Khoo Boo Teik comments on how Abdullah Badawi may act to distinguish his �new� administration from the �old� one led by Dr M. Abdullah may ironically find himself indebted to Reformasi for having commenced the �de-Mahathirisation� of the political system.
In a balanced evaluation of �Mahathir�s economic legacy�, our back cover story by Jomo K. S. discusses a chequered 22-year record of experiments, flaws, crises and escapes against a background of changing global conditions. Four other articles underscore the undemocratic nature of Mahathir�s long reign. Lawyer Charles Hector discusses the transformation of a previously independent judiciary into a pliant one especially since the 1988 judicial crisis. Former CUEPACS leader A. H. Ponniah recalls Dr M�s dealings with the labour movement and exposes how unions have become elitist organisations linked to the PM himself. In assessing Dr M�s 22 years, Muzaffar Tate concludes that he was essentially a �benevolent despot�, while Andrew Aeria chides him for his heavy handed ways and grandiose projects. Francis Loh then looks at the prevailing political culture, challenging the myths that many believe explain Malaysia�s success. The secret, he argues, is Malaysia�s people - decent and tolerant, hardworking and responsible. We shall continue to do well in the post Mahathir era. Read also the account by Anil Netto of an anti-rape demonstration in Penang. | |||||||||||||||
