Dr M: Just like doctors, responsible leaders must make their charges swallow the 'bitter pill'

Dr Mahathir accepting the AAMO's Visionary Leader and Nation Builder Award on April 29, 2019. – PMO

PETALING JAYA: A responsible leader can be likened to a doctor, who have to sometimes make the people – or patients – swallow the "bitter pill", says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Most times, the people, like most patients, do not like swallowing the bitter pill. But a responsible leader, like any responsible doctor, may have to force their people and patients to accept the prescription for the good of the nation in the long run," he said in his speech as he accepted the Visionary Leader and Nation Builder Award from the Asian Association of Management Organisations (AAMO).