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Open rift may harm Malaysian government

Malaysia's prime minister is facing his biggest political crisis since taking office, as his authority is challenged by the man who put him there -- elder statesman Mahathir Mohamad.

The open rift between Mahathir and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has raised serious concerns about possible government instability that could shake investor confidence, roil the economy and upset race relations in the multiethnic nation.

After months of innuendoes, Mahathir last week launched a public and personal attack on Abdullah, 66, a highly respected scholar whom Mahathir hand-picked to lead the government when he retired in October 2003.

Mahathir, 80, who described himself as "a very crude person," said he has been "stabbed in the back" by his former supporters and suggested he made a mistake in choosing Abdullah.

In keeping with his Mr. Nice Guy image, Abdullah responded coolly -- with a smile -- to Mahathir's characteristic self-deprecating vitriol, saying his predecessor is free to say what he wants.

Others, however, disagreed.

"It is totally unfair and uncalled for. He [Mahathir] hit below the belt on certain statements," said Denison Jayasooria, head of the Social Strategic Foundation think tank. What made it worse, he said, was that the attack came not from the opposition but from within the inner circle.

"This is undermining the leadership. This is serious. That is not good for a country," Jayasooria said, adding that a person of Mahathir's standing and caliber should have been more statesmanlike and aired his grievances privately.

Public opinion appears to back this sentiment. Local newspapers are awash with letters to the editor urging Mahathir to remain in retirement with grace and do nothing to tarnish his larger-than-life legacy.

When he retired, Mahathir promised not to interfere in the government. Today, he has no say in its running, but his clout in the ruling United Malays National Organization party, or UMNO, cannot be underestimated. Business leaders fear such infighting could have serious consequences.

"This is all very distressing for business, and it must be hoped it does not develop into a destabilized political environment," said Munir Majid, chairman of Malaysia Airlines. "Political stability is one of Malaysia's strongest cards, and it should not be undermined."
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