Azmin lauds Dr Mahathir for bravery, strength

Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali today lauded former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his bravery in facing his detractors.

Mohamed Azmin said the attitude is far better than some leaders who only gain support from a certain individuals or only accepts ‘gifts’.

“I see him as an individual who is always ready to face his critics and not many have the strength to do so.”

“As a leader, we must not just accept supporters or ‘gifts’ recipients only. We must listen to criticisms and this is Tun Dr Mahathir’s strength,” said Mohamed Azmin after the launch of his first book titled, “Membangun Bangsa” at Pavilion shopping mall here today.

He stressed that Dr Mahathir has set a good example that should be emulated by other leaders in the country.

“We may be in disagreement with him but he can face critics and debate. If this tradition continues, I think it is a healthy one because Malaysia is a democratic country, and the leaders must be able to face critics and ready to hear other people’s opinions,” said Mohamed Azmin.

“This is an example that shows that if we don’t agree with anyone, we must be ready to confront,” he added.

The bravery is something that is absent in most leaders in this country, he stressed.

“Just look at the Prime Minister, is he brave enough to face his critics? In the Parliament he can’t do it and even outside Parliament also he can’t seem to do so. For me, I respect Tun Dr Mahathir for his bravery,” said Mohamed Azmin.

“Tun Dr Mahathir is also willing to go to court to face the former Deputy Prime Minister who he sacked. This is strength and not weakness. I hope more leaders will be able to face their critics and not just receive ‘gifts’,” he added.