by TMR / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

One year ago today, the world witnessed an extraordinary feat, inconceivable and at times felt magical, when a 92-year-old former prime minister rallied an alliance of different parties and swept to power in a nation which enjoyed a one-party rule for six decades.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad came out of retirement to vanquish the alliance he once led, rid the nation of corruptions, removed a leader who is now at the centre of the world largest financial larceny and washed away the shame of a kleptocracy administration.

It was as Dr Mahathir said “an unexpected win”. But a win it is still for a politician who seldom tastes defeats.

Winning the majority seats and forming the government despite several hiatus, the intentional long wait for the swearing ceremony and the last-ditch effort to deny his right to lead the government — all sounds unfamiliar in the history of Malaysia.

It was a journey of many truths and a very few tales. The challenges and difficulties faced by Dr Mahathir and the Pakatan Harapan government extend beyond ballooning debts or fiscal constraints.

A new government with little administration experience. Politicians who had never had a salaried job are now driven to manage their respective ministry. Some government officials who remain loyal to old ways and leaders are making the task even more difficult. Being the voice of reasons and nation building. Finding a common ground for a greater good of an alliance which originates from different founding philosophies.

While it is still a work in progress with flaws and cracks clearly visible and disgruntled voices getting louder, largely driven by racial and religious slurs, let’s be reminded that today a year ago many Malaysians stood up and chose for change. — TMR