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Tun Dr. Mahathir in my eyes...

When was the last time you hear Tun Dr. Mahathir apologized? Did he ever?

I don't think he ever did and rest assured he never will.

In 1993, the Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating called Dr. Mahathir a recalcitrant. It was the first time I ever heard the word. It was the first time for a lot of people that the newspapers actually had to put the meaning of the word in their articles.

It means stubborn, having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority. Australia seem to think they are the authority in this region. And, I hated Mr. Keating for defaming my Prime Minister. Looking back, however, perhaps recalcitrant is the best word to describe Tun. Dr. Mahathir.

I do not idolize anybody, because I am not an idolater. But, I cannot help but admire Tun Mahathir. He is a man of vision. He saw what others do not see. He thinks out of the box. While other only sees their games confined to the chess board, Tun Mahathir sees that there are solutions off it.

Not all of his vision became a reality. We know that Proton is a failure, but Tun will never say he made a mistake. It has become the favorite reference of his detractors.

But, it was he who put us on the world map. Before him, people knew Bangkok, people knew Singapore, but nobody knows where Kuala Lumpur is.... He envisioned a world class airport, a formula one racing track, a light rail transport system, a monorail system, and many mat salleh come to KL and say that Malaysia is a developed country.

When he stepped down as PM, he did voice out one regret, though. He said he is sad that he cannot change the attitude of the Malays.

That, Tun, would require a miracle....

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