12/19/2005

mahathir and his political truth

Things Mahathir did not say .... when he was in power "The country should have a strong government but not too strong. A 90% majority is too strong. We need an opposition to remind us if we are making mistakes. When you are not opposed you think everything you do is right." "The Internet must be used extensively so that an alternative media would be available to publish and expose lies, be downloaded and distributed." "Although I am already 80-years old, I am not senile." (reproduced from littlespeck.com) when one is in power, one says and believes in a different set of rules that suits that position and situation. when one is out of power, a different set of rules apply. which is the better truth? it all depends on where one is. but i like the part that he said, 'when you are not opposed you think everything you do is right.' this will be a perpetual truth and will be repeated over and over again until one is thrown out of power. only then will one realise that all along one has been making mistakes but peddled as good decisions.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is something worth remembering in all countries.

If your goal is wisdom, your opposition can power the rudder that steers the ship.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

hi allan,

wisdom is cumulative. it just adds on like the years we add to ourselves.

ya, opposition in physics and politics can serve the same function. you need opposition to check the course. charting the right course with or with opposition is the goal.