Just Saying | Malaysia’s Mahathir at age 92 is a booster shot if you’re feeling old
Yonden Lhatoo writes an ode to old age, inspired by Mahathir Mohamad’s stunning return to power in his sprightly 90s as Malaysia’s prime minister
“Yes, yes, I am still alive,” the world’s oldest elected leader announced to the howling media pack assembled in the Malaysian capital very early on Thursday morning for a news conference on his stunning political comeback.
Mahathir Mohamad: Malaysia’s longest-serving elected prime minister is now also its oldest
It was the same when, after an equally frantic day that saw his swearing-in delayed, sparking rampant speculation that Najib might sabotage the transition of power, Mahathir held a third news conference late at night.
He remained standing for the entire session, seemingly on steroids compared with his younger, seated colleagues, and was once again at his dry-humoured and sarcastic best.
Whatever concerns may linger about Mahathir’s authoritarian streak and corruption allegations stemming from his previous 22-year stint as prime minister, what’s not to admire about his explosive comeback after 15 years in retirement.
He’s no superman, mind you, having undergone two bouts of coronary bypass surgery, but he keeps fit by following a simple daily regimen: no smoking, no drinking and no overeating. A bit of exercise and reading also helps, apparently.