An exact replica - Mahathir's wish as replacement

An excerpt that was taken out of a 1998 press interview of Dr. Mahathir when he was still PM -
Asked what qualities he might be looking for in a deputy, Dr. Mahathir replied with what appeared to be a joke, ''An exact replica of myself, if it is possible.''

Knowing TDM, he hardly jokes. He is not one to hide his feelings or thoughts. Even then, he was contemplating who he would install as his successor. The only problem was he realised anyone like him would definately not wait for the succession planning to take place at the incumbents preference. Hence why, he saw to it that Datuk Seri Anwar would be discharged and disgraced as a lesson to those who would challenge him. His appointee Datuk Seri Abdullah who initially seemed as a person who will continue to follow TDM's every whim, started rejecting the ex-PMs ideas which would have infuriated him. So he decides the only way to get back is to openly criticise his hand-picked successor, someone that he wished would be just like him.
Well Dr. Mahathir, Pak Lah is no different to you as an able statesman and leader. His difference is in style and he obviously wants to implement his own programs and ideas, not what you thought/think is right. What's wrong with that? Did you not oppose Tunku and his views on how the country was run when you were in the helm? Why is it you cannot support your successor and help him progress the country instead of becoming counter-productive?
And re. the judiciary appointments and your manipulation of the process, I think you're again starting a smokescreen by stating how you want to expose issues such as lobbying by judges for appointments etc. Well sir, you're the biggest player in this whole manipulation game and I am sure you have shredded many a document that would have your stamp/print on it. And I am sure for a lot of the handling, you would have performed it without anything be traced back to you. I am hoping for your sake there are no documents that Anwar nor Pak Lah have of your indiscretions as that could only tarnish your image.
But I guess you're too stubborn to see what you're doing to the country and will want to just play this one so you can ridicule the government you once led and the members of the body who once served you.

Good luck at the courts TDM! You will need it.

-Ravi