Mahathir transformed Malaysia into an Asian giant within 22 years: Governor

FORMER Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed transformed a "Sleepy Nation" into an Asian giant within 22 years, said Western Province Governor S. Alavi Mowlana who is also senior Advisor to the President on Muslim Affairs.

In a message welcoming Dr. Mahathir, he said: "Today, Sri Lanka has got a special visitor who transformed a "Sleepy Nation" into an Asian Giant within a matter of 22 years. No doubt, he would have had a fair share of critics and distracters in his crusade for the well-being of his people.

Yet, he achieved such a miracle since his mission was noble tinged with sincerity. He is Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, the giant who strode non-chalantly in the political arena in Malayasia and in South East Asia from 1981 to 2004.

A physician turned politician he was a non-conformist whose main concern was to confer equality and justice to one and all. His crafty strategies to withstand the onslaught of the South Asian Financial crisis in 1997 on his own prescription rather to the dictates of the Western lending Institutions were the best in him.

Needless to mention his stature rose to dizzy heights thus earning friends and foes alike. The Western World awoke to view him with trepidation. It took some time for them to understand who he was. Though he was a Malaysian, the entire South considered him as one of its own.

To such a leader I am sending my salutations from the Holy City of Makkah for a pleasant stay in Sri Lanka.

"May Almighty Bless him in all his endeavours."