WHEN Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad visited Japan in June last year, his first overseas trip after Pakatan Harapan won the 14th General Election, the subject of his age and health was a hot topic everywhere he went.
I am reminded of a response he gave to the audience at one of his speaking engagements in Japan: “I suppose I age a little bit slower than most people. I’m not senile. I can still hear questions and answer questions.”
Now almost a year later, there are no signs that he is slowing down.
During the nearly one-hour interview with the New Straits Times, his answers were well articulated, his voice clear, and his points concise. There were no breaks for a glass of water.
He chose his words carefully on sensitive issues, and is still a master at answering questions without giving away a definitive position, or disclosing more information than what is absolutely necessary.
Where financial numbers were involved, in the discussion on income disparity, for example, he could mentally calculate the impact of interest rate on borrowings by businesses.
Dr Mahathir, described by the Japanese as an icon for the ageing society, is still as sharp as ever.
In fact, the 93-year-old physician and politician caught us off guard from the very beginning.
After thanking him for the interview opportunity, and a brief introduction of the New Straits Times team, the first question was barely asked completely when he interrupted: “Can you be a bit clear, what do you want to ask me?”
The question was repeated, albeit in a more concise version. Was it not clear or loud enough the first time? Perhaps. Or maybe the stall offered him an opportunity to gather his thoughts and formulate a reply.
And just like that, he had established his authority in the room and set the pace for the interview.