Mahathir has the last word
2003-10-31 12:29
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia got its first new prime minister in a generation on Friday, when veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad retired and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officially assumed office.
Abdullah was sworn in as Malaysia's fifth prime minister by King Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, the titular head of state, in a ceremony at the National Palace attended by Mahathir and dozens of government dignitaries.
Wearing a black tunic and traditional ethnic Malay dress of songkok hat and a silk waistband called a pelekat, Abdullah pledged to "fulfil the obligations of this position honestly and with all my energy."
Mahathir had ruled Malaysia since 1981, spearheading its rapid transformation from a tin- and rubber-producing backwater into a high-tech exporter and one of Southeast Asia's wealthiest and most developed countries.
He also gained a reputation as a blunt-spoken and often controversial advocate of the developing and Islamic worlds, with fiery criticism of Western-dominated globalisation and the US-led war on terrorism.
At a news conference before the ceremony on Friday, Mahathir said that putting his country on the world's radar was one of his greatest achievement - even if it was done by triggering international outrage with controversial comments.
We have made some impact
"Malaysia now is better known," Mahathir replied when asked what he considered to be his greatest achievement abroad. "Our voice, even if they don't agree, I think (there is) no way they can just ignore (it). We have made some impact."
Mahathir, a feisty 77-year-old who completely dominated his government and has been an inveterate traveller within and without Malaysia, said he looked forward to giving up the responsibility of leadership.
"At the moment, I feel relieved," he said. "I will not have to deal with requests which I know I cannot help, things I cannot give."
Mahathir leaves office amid an international outcry at his claims that Jews rule the world, which he made in a speech to Islamic leaders earlier this month and has refused to back down from.
On Monday, the US Senate amended its pending foreign aid bill to withhold $1.2m in military aid until the state department determines Malaysia better promotes religious freedoms.
US aid to Malaysia is minimal, and Mahathir has scoffed at the Senate's action, saying it shows that his comments about Jews were true and that America can keep its money.
Abdullah, 63, is considered milder in comparison to Mahathir. While he has promised not to make any major policy changes, some countries and opposition groups hope that some of the harsher edges of Mahathir's era will be tempered under Abdullah.
The outcry abroad contrasted with flowing tributes at home. Government-owned radio and television devoted the airwaves to celebrating Mahathir glories, and newspapers were riddled with full-page advertisements bought by companies thanking the veteran leader.
- AP