Malaysian PM Mahathir to retire Friday ( 2003-10-30 14:24) (Agencies) Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has achieved
almost mythical status among his admirers in Malaysia and tributes have been
pouring in as he prepares to step down on Friday.
A generation has known no other leader, and even those
old enough to remember the previous prime minister have had their lives shaped
dramatically by Mahathir's 22 years in power.
Hundreds of messages have appeared in local newspapers in recent weeks,
hailing the 77-year-old premier as a hero for overseeing Malaysia's rapid
economic development and giving this small nation of 23 million people a voice
in the world.
Mahathir is renowned for his outspoken and often controversial opinions on
everything from minor domestic issues to global politics, the need for
technological development and the true meaning of Islam.
A 10-volume encyclopedia of his ideas has also been launched in Arabic and
English.
Abdullah, who takes over from Mahathir on Friday, said: "His legacy will be
seen in his ever-flowing cornucopia of ideas, thoughts and opinions on a wide
range of issues and topics.
"Laymen and intellectuals will find pearls of wisdom in his ideas and
thoughts. Malaysians and Muslims will benefit enormously from reading and
re-reading his speeches."
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