Mahathir Mohamad speaks on democracy in Cambodia

[geovalin]

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday urged Cambodian students to be proud of their culture while adopting aspects of democracy that work for the Kingdom. Mr Mahathir is in the Kingdom for three days, along with his wife Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali and a delegation of 18 Malaysian officials. Mr Mahathir is expected to meet senior Cambodian officials, including Prime Minister Hun Sen.

 

At Phnom Penh International Airport, he was welcomed by Othsman Hassan, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions. Yesterday afternoon, Mr Mahathir attended an open dialogue entitled “Balancing Relations with the Superpowers in the Context of Asean” at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, where hundreds of students gathered to hear him speak.

 

Dozens of students were also allowed to ask questions on various issues. One student asked if a country like Cambodia should be democratised based on western standards or develop its own version of democracy based on current situations.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50639704/mahathir-mohamad-speaks-on-kingdoms-democracy/

[GreasyFingers]

Mahathir and democracy in the same sentence?

[Baerboxer]

23 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

Mahathir and democracy in the same sentence?

 

Classic oxymoron!

[ylmiri]

On 9/3/2019 at 7:06 PM, GreasyFingers said:

Mahathir and democracy in the same sentence?

Glad you know what is going on in Malaysia. You must be well read.

[GreasyFingers]

15 hours ago, ylmiri said:

Glad you know what is going on in Malaysia. You must be well read.

Mahathir has a long past.

[dabhand]

15 hours ago, ylmiri said:

Glad you know what is going on in Malaysia. You must be well read.

Was based in Malaysia during the 90's and there  was absolutely no doubt about MM's total control of all aspects of government. Payoffs were rife with government contracts being subject to a standard commission, with this being used to ensure success during election time.

You crossed  him at your peril, as Anwar found out to his heavy cost. Anwar had been given temporary control of the government whilst MM was on an extended trip to Canada. Most saw  this as a test of Anwar's fealty towards MM and his cadre within the government. Well, Anwar failed the 'test' and mixed things up by bringing in a number of his advisors. What happened next to Anwar is part of a dark period in Malaysian politics.

However, that's not to say that Anwar, during his time as Finance Minister and right hand man to MM, was not heavily connected with the money politics during the 90's. As seen by the recent 1MDB corruption case, those in power just can't help themselves. But MM was  the consummate professional in that regard and a leopard never changes its spots.   

There is no doubt that MM achieved a great deal for Malaysia and his 'Vision 2020' was a masterstroke. But was he a democrat? Nope.