What are you think about Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi?

Question

Because some say that former Malaysian prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohammad is better than Abdullah Badawi? What do you think??

Answer 1

TMM was at the helm more than 20 years while AB barely three so it is difficult and unfair to directly compare.

TMM left a raft of problems to his deputy AB who obviously have to tread rather more carefully. As it is he is already stepping on too many toes and tails, including those of his former boss and inviting intense criticism and censure..

TMM was dictatorial and too ready to find fault of those whom he thought did not toe his line or follow through with his favourite programmes. On the other hand, AB seems too soft, undecisive, lacking in focus, unassertive, overly friendly to the point of being avuncular and too keen to assume the nice-guy role. In short, while respected by some, he appears to be too weak to be a commanding national leader.

Both have weaknesses. Both talk very loudly about fighting corruption but have very little to show for all the verbiage. In fact, both seem unable or unwilling to actively or to seriously go after the big corrupt fish. The very few bigger ones who have been called to account still seem to enjoy the good lives with their well-known ill-gotten gains. Their inability to stem the tide of corruption which is rampant, is still their biggest failing.

TMM during his tenure dished out too many good money -to making projects to those close to him and these cronies are still calling the shots because they have grown too rich and powerful. Such actions did not really help the man-in-the-street in so far as economic advancement was concerned. In his time, grandiose projects were favourites, again benefitting some select few.

AB, due to his uninspiring leadership qualities, is also creating a lot of social, educational, economic and ethnic-relaltionship problems. Some kind souls ascribed the such state of affairs as the leftovers from the previous regime. But then, AB was also a big figure in the previous government and thus fully aware of what he should put right when he took over.

Some of these problems are now in fact worse. A good example is the extremely poor delivery system in viritually all government machineries. Government servants are termed 'little Napoleons' by no less than AB himself and the most lowly in the civil service can thwart a pet project, be it from the public or private sector. It is quite well known that many departments do not bother with even the most senior government directive and no amount of exhortations, threats, training stints and even 'bribes' of ex-gratia bonuses could move these uncivil civil employees.

Juist as well that the country's economy is relatively good, thanks to high prices of crude palm oil and petroleum. When the populace has a full stomach and unemployment is very low, a lot in an inefficient government can be tolerated but such a utopian state cannot last. Malaysia is truly blessed in that inspite of its lack-lustre so-called leaders, the country still manages to have some progress. Imagine how far the countnry can advance if leaders are dynamic and could deliver.

AB will face a general election by next year. The true measure of his leadership will then be decided. He does not have much time to win over the doubting Thomases and those disillusioned with his policies. So far, under his watch, there has been a lot of talk but very much less walk. He most assuredly will not secure the landslide he won in the previous general election.

I hope he bares his knuckles and truly leads the country in the next 12-18 months. If he does, he may yet have a strong majority government to lead for another term of office.

Answer 2

The improving economy of Malaysia should be credited to Prime Minister Badawi and he is better than the former Malaysian head of state.

Answer 3

Tun and the PM have different views on how to run things. Tun is a hands on kinda guy, while the PM is more of a laid back kinda guy. Both of them are great leaders. After 20+ years under Tun im actually quite excited to see how the PM runs things. Malaysia Boleh!!!!

Answer 4

well.. i think Tun is better.. never the less Pak Lah is catching up pretty fast though. PM is a quick learner. I hope there can be a positive changes in Malaysia economic growth and national security.

senang cerita Pak Lah boleh tahan la hebatnye. Pasal minyak naik je yg aku tx suke.. what ever pung.. Malaysia Boleh!

Answer 5

Hey.