92-year-old Nightmare for 4G Leaders

By Augustine Low

Who would have thought that a 92-year-old man could present the biggest test for Singapore’s 4G leaders?

Now that Mahathir Mohamed has triumphed against all the odds to become Prime Minister of Malaysia once again, it could signal challenging times ahead for Singapore.

The wily old fox will be no pushover. The relations between Singapore and Malaysia, the good vibes shared by the Prime Ministers of both countries, could soon be a thing of the past.

It is safe to say there is no love lost between Mahathir and Singapore, at least on his side of the equation.

We keep hearing that the 4G leaders have a big challenge ahead. It now comes in the form and shape of Mahathir, who does not suffer fools gladly and who will seek to undo much of what his predecessor has done.

For Singapore’s sake, let’s hope that the likes of Chan Chun Sing is up to the task. But one fears that it could be a mismatch. If our 4G leaders do not step up their game, they will be easy meat for Mahathir who is a sound strategist and a wily politician.

Will the comeback of Mahathir make it necessary for Lee Hsien Loong to delay stepping down and handing over the baton?

Will it be a major setback for Singapore just when relations with Malaysia have taken a more cordial turn in the past several years?

Will the high speed rail still go ahead? Will there be a crooked bridge?

Many, many unanswered questions.

We have to salute Malaysians for the spirit and the courage to throw out the government. It sends a strong message. IMDB was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Our leaders must be fearing the worst but hoping for the best now that Mahathir is back in business.