My generation is over, it's time for young leaders but... - Tun M

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad acknowledged that the time for leaders from his generation had expired, and the government’s legacy should be continued by the younger generation.

However, the Langkawi Member of Parliament stressed that it is not necessary for young political leaders to just focus on gaining support from their peers and continue to ignore older generations.

He explained, although globally many young leaders have been appointed as heads of governments such as in New Zealand, Canada, and France, it does not mean that the situation can be fully replicated.

"Young people are more aware of this exchange, because they live in a different environment. However, we cannot completely ignore what happened in the past.

"What happened in the past has an influence on what is happening now, and in the future. So, we have to take into account all the factors in determining the development of the country, for example. We cannot just follow the younger generation only because they are more vulnerable to the widespread climate," he added.

Dr Mahathir, who led the country for 22 years and 22 months, said young leaders should be inclusive, that is to consider all factors before making any policy or decision.

He added that it is not wrong to adopt Western thinking but it should be done carefully without neglecting the mould of the society in this country.

"We cannot at all ignore the older generation who have experience. So, we can imitate or adopt these Western ways, but we do not have to be exclusive, as if we are Western followers.

"Because we have to remember when we achieve independence, we separate ourselves from the West because we find that their morals have collapsed. Today, it is even worse. But we are carried away by their ways till it does not matter whether it is good or bad,” he added.