Prophet Muhammad An Inspiration, Says Dr Mahathir
Bernama – 22 March 2006
PUTRAJAYA - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Wednesday Prophet Muhammad is the most impressive leader historically for his ability to transform an ignorant group of people and make them part of a great Islamic empire.

"He was able to change them into a great people with the greatest civilisation in the history of mankind," said the former prime minister who led Malaysia for over two decades.

"If you learn about his struggles and difficulties, then you'll be able to appreciate his success," he said in a question-and-answer session with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) who called on him at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here.

Earlier, he spoke at length on leadership and when asked who the current world leaders whom impressed him most, he replied that there was none.

"Presently, I can't find one yet. But I respect above all (former South African President) Nelson Mandela. When he came out after being jailed for 26 years, everybody expected him to be bitter and broken. But he was neither," he said.

Instead, he said, Mandela even met his jailers later on and worked hard to build a strong and peaceful country.

In highlighting the qualities needed in a leader, Dr Mahathir said the person must be dedicated, knowledgeable, corruption-free and not interested only in him or herself.

"We need not only good leaders but also a civil service which can implement orders well," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the foundation, of which he is the honorary president, was willing to impart knowledge about leadership to other Muslim countries.

He also took the opportunity to impress upon his visitors on the need to galvanise efforts to criminalise war as civilised human beings should not kill people to resolve problems.
Source: Bernama | www.bernama.com