Description
Passing the Baton is about the most structured yet egalitarian leadership succession process in modern political history. After 22 good years at the helm, Dr Mahathir Mohamad finally handed over the torch to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to become the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Scant comparison can be made throughout the world where the transfer of power from one head of government to another is so ponderously systematic. One can look for egalitarian examples of transition in the case of South Africa (Nelson Mandela to Thabo Mbeki), Singapore (Lee Kuan Yew to Goh Chok Tong) or even China (Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao), but none, perhaps, is as methodical as the leadership succession procedure from Dr Mahathir to Abdullah Badawi.
The seven-step process of Dr Mahathir's modus operandi is unique in its special way (even in a democracy) and could be emulated by political and societal leaders who subscribe to good governance and efficacy. Business and industry, as well as institutional bodies like non-governmental organisations, would do well to take the cue from Dr Mahathir's leadership succession example. The transition procedure which he instituted tested the tenets of loyalty, perseverance in the face of odds, and the quality of patience. It ensures the class of stability with continuity of growth that is so much desired in leadership succession today.
ISBN:9676903957
