I wont blame you if you are alarmed by the subject title.
In today's Straits Times Page 17 of main section.
This is what Datuk Seri Anwar said about former Malaysian PM Dr Mahathir.
If he is angry, so what. The country is owned by Malaysians, not one man. This is the problem of authoritarians....My legacy is my decision, media freedoim is only my freedom, independent judiciary is only when I handle the judiciary....He has every right to express his views..........It is now he is beginning to understand at the age of 80-somethin g what democracy means, freedom of expression....This is typical of Democracy in South East Asian countries where usually one man holds absolute power. The media almost always highlight the view of the "great" man in power and NOT the views of the people. Little wonder some of these "great" men refuse to step down even at ripe old age. See what happens to Mahathir.
At least we salute Mahathir for DARING to step down and make statements in the capacity of an ordinary citizen, knowing full well he will be bombarded. But then that is life.
The media should be more responsible.
If a ruler says, "I am doing this because the people want it........", the media should not simply echo what the man has said but do a survey, without fear or favour, to find out whether his statement is true? History has had thrown up many great and good people. Invariably, the very thing that men try to prolong and linger on forever will one day be taken away by mother nature, never mind if he is Mr Great Man.
