Crying Megawati (Indonesian President) farewells Mahathir

[Libaax-Sankataabte]

Emotional Megawati farewells Mahathir

By Mark Baker

 

(Nusa Dua, Bali) -- Indonesia's President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, broke down in tears yesterday as she farewelled the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, from the regional stage.

 

Ms Megawati paused repeatedly to regain her composure as she delivered a speech to mark Dr Mahathir's last appearance at the annual leaders' summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

 

Referring to Dr Mahathir as "Bapak", or father - the honorific once bestowed on the former Indonesian president Soeharto - Ms Megawati praised him as one of the region's greatest leaders.

 

Dr Mahathir, 77, is due to retire at the end of this month after leading Malaysia for 22 years.

 

"This is the very last summit that is graced by the presence of a dear colleague, who is also a steadfast friend and a respected colleague to all," Ms Megawati said.

 

"The mark of his personal statesmanship has been imprinted so deep in our consciousness that in a larger sense, he will always be with us.

 

"The reach of his mind is so far and wide that on every issue laid before us, we always try to recall what Dr Mahathir said about it."

 

In a remark that drew a frisson of laughter from diplomats and journalists in the audience, she went on: "He always had strong and informed views, and never hesitated to say the unpleasant."

 

The emotional speech appeared to embarrass a number of other regional leaders, who sat in silence beside Ms Megawati on the podium and clapped politely at the finish.

 

Her effusive tribute also surprised many observers, given the long-standing rivalry between Malaysia and Indonesia during the regime of her father, General Soekarno.

 

Ms Megawati said there was "no way of counting" the things that Dr Mahathir had done for ASEAN, and he had worked hardest to articulate the vision of the 10-nation grouping.

 

After being presented with a gilt-framed portrait of his colleagues, Dr Mahathir said: "I am grateful to all of you for your support, assistance and above all, friendship."

[nuune]

i would call mahathir the leader of the Muslim world,i don't think anybody has this position, a true Muslim leader indeed.

[Sophist]

Great man Indeed.

[Saxardiid]

i hope his country will produce leader like him and other muslim countries will try to get some one like him. As he retired now he can travel to muslim countries sharing his experience with other muslim leaders and their people.

 

best wishes