Who will be the next PM? Mahathir says we are seeking a "giant", reform the power first

PUTRAJAYA - Tun Dr Mahthir Mohamad addressed the pressing question on many Malaysians’ minds: Who does he see as the next Prime Minister?

The former premier did not drop any names nor did he give any signs of who could potentially lead the country once Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s tenure ends.

But Dr Mahathir did answer coyly: “We are trying to find a giant. It doesn’t matter... if the Prime Minister has the facilities, it doesn’t matter who he is.”

Dr Mahathir highlighted the pitfalls of the democratic system, where leaders were often chosen based on popularity rather than competence.

“What is happening now is that under the democratic system, you are chosen because you are popular. But you are popular for what?

“If you are popular because you are a great administrator, then you become a minister, then you can do your work well.

“But if you are popular because of something else, and you then become a minister, and you do not know the way the government functions, then of course you cannot solve problems,” he told Sinar Daily during an exclusive interview on Politics, Corruption and Possible Revenge: Fireside Chat with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He went on to say that the Prime Minister does not necessarily need to be smart but should seek and heed advice from experts across various fields.

“Advise - they can reject what I said, or they can supplement it or modify it," he stated, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance.

Dr Mahathir recounted his own experience during Malaysia’s financial crisis, explaining how leveraging expert advice led to effective decision-making.

He said with this method, the Prime Minister benefits from the expertise in the different fields thus how the then government were able to tackle the financial crisis through that method.

When asked about the next generation of leaders, Dr Mahathir highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent and reforming political system to ensure an effective government.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr Mahathir mentioned his decision to appoint a young politician to the cabinet during his second term as Prime Minister.

"That year, when I was Prime Minister for the second time, I brought in a very young person into the cabinet, 25 years old, (Muar MP) Syed Saddiq (Syed Abdul Rahman).

“I thought that he could be given time to grow and if he performs well, he may become," he said.

Once again, without mentioning any names, Dr Mahathir mentions that there were three to four young individuals that he saw potential when given the chance to lead.

"I don't like to name names because it almost like I want to endorse somebody... there are three or four others, I think, who have potential, but they have to be given a chance.

“And the system must be changed - not a powerful prime minister, but a prime minister who listens to advice of the elders," he added.