NAPOLEON Bonaparte once said “a leader is a dealer in hope”. History was rewritten when 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad became the seventh prime minister of Malaysia by eliminating the 60-year rule of the Malay-dominated National Front.

His election has virtually brought a political earthquake in entire Malaysia because of Najib Razaq’s massive defeat.

People of Malaysia have once again proved they cannot reelect the corrupt. The people still trust Mahathir, who had left the political arena 15 years ago.

This man modernised the county when he was in power. He has also pledged not to be vindictive against his opponents. Instead, he has urged work for the betterment of the country.

The Malaysian election result has proved that if a leader is loyal and sincere to his people and country, people will not hesitate to vote for him even if he is 92 years of age.

This is a great message for our youth, who want to see our beloved country prosperous and well developed.

In Pakistan, we have a sincere leader in Imran Khan who can change the destiny of the country by creating a system of meritocracy at all levels.

He is 66. Unfortunately, people believe if he does not come to power in the upcoming elections, his party will collapse, for he will be 70 years of age after five years. Great leaders and their ideologies never die and Mahathir is its living example.

We hope that Pakistan also becomes prosperous under sincere leaders like Imran Khan.

Qazi Nazim Naeem

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2018