Karpal: Stop public outbursts - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should have retired with dignity and honour and refrained from criticising the present prime minister, DAP chairman Karpal Singh said.

He said retired prime ministers conventionally did not interfere in the performance of their successors.

After Dr Mahathir stepped down in 2003 and handed over the mantle to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the former should have refrained from political activity, he said.

“When the curtain falls, the wise recede into the twilight with dignity and honour. Dr Mahathir should cease his public outbursts, which have brought embarrassment upon the country and himself.

“Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn retired as gentlemen and became apolitical and respected statesmen.

“Dr Mahathir should emulate them,” Karpal Singh said in a statement yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/9/nation/20890050&sec=nation]