WITH the recent demise of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, Malaysia bids farewell to yet another of twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s old guards.

The latter’s once-formidable senior Cabinet Ministers is perhaps now down to just two names: former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and ex-international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Once part of Dr Mahathir’s senior ministers during his first stint from 1981 to 2003, the duo stands as symbols of a bygone era marked by rapid economic transformation and an unwavering sense of loyalty – or perhaps fear – of their leader.

During the 22 years of his first reign, Dr Mahathir’s grip on power was firm. Supported by senior ministers like Daim, Tun Samy Vellu, Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik, Tan Sri Sanusi Junid and Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, Dr Mahathir’s administration was able to pursue a bold vision for Malaysia.

All the aforementioned leaders have passed on. Perhaps another notable survivor worth mentioning is Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who succeeded Dr Mahathir as prime minister (PM) – only to subsequently fought with him – but is now suffering from dementia.

And then, there is of course, disciple Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current PM, whose bad blood with Dr Mahathir is legendary.

Many of Dr Mahathir’s old guards stood by him during turbulent times, steering the country through economic uncertainties, social unrest, and the complexities of an emerging economy.

Navigating troubled waters

Today, ex-MCA president Dr Ling and former Wanita UMNO Wanita chief Rafidah – both 81 – remain as relics of that inner circle.

Both of them nevertheless carry legacies tainted by controversy – Dr Ling with the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal and Rafidah with the Approved Permits (APs) debacle.

Yet, Dr Ling’s political acumen in navigating the complexities of racial dynamics in a plural society along with “Iron Lady” Rafidah’s command of global trade intricacies are qualities that today’s many “wet-behind-the-ears” ministers could never hold a candle to.

Dr Ling and Rafidah – along with their peers – were trusted by Dr Mahathir not just for their competence but for their loyalty but qualities that seem in short supply among today’s leaders.

These were men and women who served during an era of transformation, driving Malaysia toward Dr Mahathir’s Vision 2020.

In that time, few questioned the government’s ability to get things done. The economic boom, the rise of local industries and the establishment of Malaysia as a significant player in the region were achievements that would shape the country’s trajectory for decades to come.

By contrast, the current unity government appears tenuous and frail, held together more by a shared desire for power than a shared vision for the country. It is a coalition of strange bedfellows – an awkward marriage of ideologies and interests that seem incompatible at best.

While Dr Mahathir could trust his old guards to stand with him through thick and thin, today’s government leaders struggle even to maintain internal harmony.

It’s hard to imagine DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook and UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh see eye-to-eye or even exchanging a friendly word despite both technically standing on the same side.

This uneasy alliance speaks volumes about the superficial unity that holds today’s government together.

Reminiscing an unmatched legacy

Some of today’s ministers like Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was not even born when Dr Mahathir first took over in 1981 (he was born six months later).

Others could easily be his grandchildren. These young politicians – raised in a different Malaysia – seem to lack the resilience and experience of Dr Mahathir’s early team.

Instead, we see a fragmented leadership struggling to inspire public confidence, a stark contrast to the formidable presence of figures like Dr Ling, Rafidah or the late Daim.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir himself, at 99 years old, remains as vocal and unyielding as ever. He watches the country’s developments from the sidelines, often lashing out at the unity government with the same fervour that he toppled Tunku Abdul Rahman, Abdullah and the incarcerated Datuk Seri Najib Razak as PMs.

Even as he approaches a century of life, Dr Mahathir remains a looming figure in Malaysian politics, seemingly intent on bringing down a government that he believes lacks the strength and fortitude of his era.

With Daim’s passing, perhaps the question we must ask ourselves is will today’s politicians ever find the resolve that once defined the first Mahathir administration? Or will they remain mired in power struggles, subpar performance and unable to lead with the conviction of those who came before them?

As we reflect on Daim’s passing, perhaps it is time for today’s leaders to look back at the qualities that drove Malaysia’s old guard – strength, loyalty and an unshakeable commitment to the nation. To move forward, we may need the resolve that once shaped its past. – Nov 15, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/with-daims-passing-perhaps-only-liong-sik-and-rafidah-remain-as-tun-ms-loyal-old-guards/