Corpun file 4744

Borneo Bulletin, Brunei, 8 December 1999

Dr M: Don't spare the rod

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Asia's longest-serving ruler, has attributed his achievements to old school teachers who chose not to spare the rod on him, a news report said Tuesday.

"The use of the ruler," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the national Bernama news agency, referring to the secret of his success.

Mahathir said too much freedom could prove a bad thing as it "may eventually lead to a state of anarchy."

He was speaking to alumni of his former high school late Monday.

The 73-year-old prime minister last week led his ruling National Front coalition to its 10th consecutive triumph in general elections, clinching 148 of 192 Parliamentary seats.

Mahathir has been prime minister for 18 years now and shows no sign of stepping down anytime soon.

The controversial leader has drawn much criticism for his actions during the past year, which include the sacking of his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim and using unorthodox methods of dealing with the Southeast Asian nation's economic crisis.