TOKYO: The subject of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s age was brought up several times during his ongoing three-day working visit to Japan.
Dr Mahathir, who will turn 93 in July, became the oldest elected prime minister in the world after his coalition won the recent 14th General Election (GE14).
At a dialogue with foreign correspondents, hosted by Japan’s National Press Club, the Malaysian premier was praised for being an encouraging icon for the ageing society, and asked if his experience was a factor for the GE14 victory.
“Well, there are two types of ageing, One is chronological, according to the year you have reached and the other is more biological. Sometimes people age faster, sometimes people age much more slowly. I suppose I age a little bit slower than most people.
“It seems I am able to behave normally. I’m not senile. I can still hear questions and answer questions. And people wanted me to lead the country again. I have to accede to the wishes of the people.
“I would advise people not to rest when they grow old because if you rest, you will soon become very weak and incapable, and may become senile. Be active after you reach retirement age,” Dr Mahathir said.
The medical doctor by training said anything that is not used will eventually fail to work as usual or deteriorate.
“It is the same as your muscles. If you don’t use your muscles and lie down all the time, the muscles cannot even carry your weight. You cannot stand. You cannot walk.
“The brain is the same. If you don’t use your brain, you don't think, you don’t solve problems, you don’t read, you don’t write, the brain regresses and you become senile. So always be active,” he added.
