{
  "id": 18823938,
  "title": "Time for the old guard to let go",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/time-for-the-old-guard-to-let-go-18823938",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/11/08/time-for-the-old-guard-to-let-go"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The old guard must let go, according to a recent article. Plato's Republic states that older men often cling to their past and lament the loss of youth and love. This could be a metaphor for politicians who have overstayed their welcome in Malaysia's political arena, argues the author. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and others of his generation should consider retiring from politics, given their increasing disconnect from the realities and concerns of ordinary Malaysians. Hadi's recent reaction to a confidence and supply agreement is an example of his outdated political discourse, which relies on apocalyptic religious imagery rather than constructive debate. Malaysia's political landscape is rapidly changing, with younger Malaysians focused on employment, housing, wages, education, technology, and the environment. However, many long-serving politicians remain entrenched in old rivalries, identity politics, and religious arguments. They should recognize that political leadership is not a lifetime entitlement and understand when it's time to step aside. The author argues that Malaysia's biggest political weakness is the reluctance of senior politicians to groom and give way to younger leaders. Political parties should not be personal properties, and no individual should be indispensable to a political party or an entire nation. Younger politicians need opportunities to gain experience, develop leadership capabilities, and shape national policies. The Melaka state election should not only be a contest between political coalitions but also an opportunity for voters to consider the kind of leadership they want for the next decade.",
  "summary": "Some of our ageing political leaders seem more interested in fighting yesterday's political battles than addressing tomorrow's challenges.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}