Waiting for a Mahathir?

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Mahathir Muhammed, a former Prime Minister who ran Malaysia for 22 years was an elected leader.
Malaysia under Mahathir did not seek to become a military power inviting foreign concern and intervention. He transformed Malaysia from a poor and developing nation into a semi-developed country. Malaysia, when he left office, had only five per cent of its people under the poverty line down from 30 per cent -- by a conservative estimate -- when he was first elected as Prime Minister. Once mainly producing primary products, Malaysia is now a major manufacturer and exporter of electronics, steel, machinery and automobiles. The per capita income of the average Malaysian increased very substantially during his tenure in office. Though the gap between the rich and the poor has widened in Malaysia, it is considered to be remarkably less than that in many other countries. Besides, development of an effective social welfare system shows the commitment to distributive justice under Mahathir Mohammed.
Mahathir demonstrated what a devoted and efficient leader can do to transform country. Are we awaiting a Mahathir?
Munira Haque
Gulshan Dhaka