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| Latest News - East & SE Asia 01 February 05:15PM -- Singapore Time Asiaweek makes me look like an idiot: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accused Asiaweek news magazine on Thursday of deliberately using a cover photograph of him which makes him look like 'an idiot'. This is the picture that has riled Dr Mahathir, who says the magazine's choice of cover photograph makes him look tired. 'To find a picture that makes you look as if you are an idiot, is deliberately done,' he told reporters. 'They must have taken nearly 200 photos but chose that 'so right' photograph,' Bernama news agency quoted him as saying in answer to a question. The photo appeared on the cover of the Jan 26 issue of the Hongkong-based news magazine, which also carried an interview. During the interview, the magazine said, Dr Mahathir 'slumped in his chair and appeared tired and worn down by the unprecedented criticism of his rule'. Bernama quoted Dr Mahathir, 75, as saying he was taken in by the smiling and friendly interviewers. The Malaysian PM, speaking at the administrative capital of Putrajaya south of Kuala Lumpur, said he had a right to look tired. 'I work about 24 hours a day and I rest a little. I cannot do any work in the office because so many people come to see me. I go home and sit down and write all my letters, speeches and other correspondence.' In the Asiaweek interview, the premier, a doctor by profession, defended his record and denied accusations of cronyism. But asked about his career regrets he was quoted as saying: 'Maybe I regret going into politics. I should have stayed a doctor. 'When I was practising, I was very popular. People loved me.' Asked by Asiaweek what he thought he would be remembered for, he replied: 'I don't care.' Dr Mahathir said on Thursday that if people recognised his achievements, 'it is okay, but if they don't recognise it, it is okay too. 'I won't be around anyway...I would be hovering up there, looking down.' -- AFP |
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