Dr Mahathir charts new democratic path for Malaysia

TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) says he is in a hurry to restore genuine democracy to Malaysia after leading the Opposition to a historic election victory this month. But now the veteran politician is settling into his second stint as prime minister, he is reluctant to acknowledge his role in building the flawed political system that reached its nadir under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the former protégé he ousted at the May 9 polls.

“I want to ensure that the country becomes once again democratic,” Dr Mahathir told the Financial Times, his finger still stained with ink from the vote that toppled the ruling party he once led. “At the same time, we have to reduce the capacity for abuse by the prime minister.”