Mariam Mokhtar
Published: Dec 20, 2024 3:41 PM
COMMENT | Malaysia, a once much-respected nation in Asia, is a shadow of its former self. He is the “sick man” of Asia. He is terminally ill. The nation has been brought to its knees, and the rakyat is powerless to act against the daily onslaught of corruption, injustice, power-grabbing, lies and abuse of power.
Within the last three months, many broken promises have come to define Anwar Ibrahim's two years in office, but there is only one word that best describes his leadership - "betrayal".
The country is desperate to move forward, to implement the much-needed reforms, but we are held back by the prime minister's intransigence. A few may claim it's Anwar's clever political tai chi; we recognise it as his selfish, self-serving agenda.
Some Malaysians are petrified of the “Green Wave”. They will close one, or even both eyes, to accommodate the cack-handed way Anwar handles the Madani administration. Anwar is doing PAS a favour.
Anwar is aware of his unpopularity. So does the DAP, the party which once championed the causes of the oppressed and the marginalised. It feels trapped. Meanwhile, the high-ups in Umno-Baru are rubbing their hands with glee, knowing they are a stepping stone away from reclaiming absolute power.
In November, there was a hint of nepotism with questions being raised about Anwar's daughter's travel arrangements to South America, at the same time Anwar attended the 31st Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Peru.
Earlier that month, the FT Mufti Bill was drafted. This unnecessary bill was seen as another means of control, of the Malay population. It is unconstitutional. It gives muftis and civil servants the power to manipulate our lives. If the bill is passed, our moderate Muslim nation will transition from a democratic to an authoritarian regime.
In late October, Anwar quietly sneaked into the National Budget speech, a mention about giving people "second chances" in life and that his government would draft a new law to allow for home detention as an alternative (punishment) for selected offences. Did he think we were that stupid? He was probably laying the foundation work for Najib Abdul Razak's house arrest.
The appointment of Musa Aman as Sabah governor was a new low. Corrupt politicians escape scot-free because “political donations” are a euphemism for corruption.
Published: Dec 20, 2024 3:41 PM
COMMENT | Malaysia, a once much-respected nation in Asia, is a shadow of its former self. He is the “sick man” of Asia. He is terminally ill. The nation has been brought to its knees, and the rakyat is powerless to act against the daily onslaught of corruption, injustice, power-grabbing, lies and abuse of power.
Within the last three months, many broken promises have come to define Anwar Ibrahim's two years in office, but there is only one word that best describes his leadership - "betrayal".
The country is desperate to move forward, to implement the much-needed reforms, but we are held back by the prime minister's intransigence. A few may claim it's Anwar's clever political tai chi; we recognise it as his selfish, self-serving agenda.
Some Malaysians are petrified of the “Green Wave”. They will close one, or even both eyes, to accommodate the cack-handed way Anwar handles the Madani administration. Anwar is doing PAS a favour.
Anwar is aware of his unpopularity. So does the DAP, the party which once championed the causes of the oppressed and the marginalised. It feels trapped. Meanwhile, the high-ups in Umno-Baru are rubbing their hands with glee, knowing they are a stepping stone away from reclaiming absolute power.
In November, there was a hint of nepotism with questions being raised about Anwar's daughter's travel arrangements to South America, at the same time Anwar attended the 31st Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Peru.
Earlier that month, the FT Mufti Bill was drafted. This unnecessary bill was seen as another means of control, of the Malay population. It is unconstitutional. It gives muftis and civil servants the power to manipulate our lives. If the bill is passed, our moderate Muslim nation will transition from a democratic to an authoritarian regime.
In late October, Anwar quietly sneaked into the National Budget speech, a mention about giving people "second chances" in life and that his government would draft a new law to allow for home detention as an alternative (punishment) for selected offences. Did he think we were that stupid? He was probably laying the foundation work for Najib Abdul Razak's house arrest.
The appointment of Musa Aman as Sabah governor was a new low. Corrupt politicians escape scot-free because “political donations” are a euphemism for corruption.
Anwar Ibrahim (left) and Musa Aman
Musa's return to power was followed a few days later, by the acquittal of the former self-styled first lady of Malaysia, Rosmah Mansor. Soon, it will probably be the convicted felon, Najib’s turn. Over two decades of highlighting Scorpene, Altantuya Shaarriibuu and 1MDB will have come to nought.
Who knows, perhaps she might have a go at the premiership. That would be interesting. Moreover, she has had years of experience of “handling” Najib. She is more capable, she gets results and she is ruthless.
Not blameless
Anwar may claim that he had nothing to do with these high-profile happenings but isn't he the man who advises the king, and who appoints the attorney-general? He is not as blameless as he would like us to think.
Anwar claims to be a leader of a multicultural nation, but his leadership is both clumsy and awkward. He will woo a Malay crowd by telling them one thing and to a mixed Malaysian audience, will present a more sanitised version of what the Malay crowd was told.
When he is overseas, it is highly embarrassing to watch him thickly lay on the charm, to his international audience.
The smattering of Arabic phrases has a hypnotic effect on the Malay/Muslim masses, that he may as well be their second messiah.
The few lines of philosophy, Noah Chomsky and William Shakespeare thrown in for good measure in his speeches mesmerise an audience who is not familiar with his talks. After two, or three deliveries, they realise that there is nothing special about his crafted speeches.
Musa's return to power was followed a few days later, by the acquittal of the former self-styled first lady of Malaysia, Rosmah Mansor. Soon, it will probably be the convicted felon, Najib’s turn. Over two decades of highlighting Scorpene, Altantuya Shaarriibuu and 1MDB will have come to nought.
Who knows, perhaps she might have a go at the premiership. That would be interesting. Moreover, she has had years of experience of “handling” Najib. She is more capable, she gets results and she is ruthless.
Not blameless
Anwar may claim that he had nothing to do with these high-profile happenings but isn't he the man who advises the king, and who appoints the attorney-general? He is not as blameless as he would like us to think.
Anwar claims to be a leader of a multicultural nation, but his leadership is both clumsy and awkward. He will woo a Malay crowd by telling them one thing and to a mixed Malaysian audience, will present a more sanitised version of what the Malay crowd was told.
When he is overseas, it is highly embarrassing to watch him thickly lay on the charm, to his international audience.
The smattering of Arabic phrases has a hypnotic effect on the Malay/Muslim masses, that he may as well be their second messiah.
The few lines of philosophy, Noah Chomsky and William Shakespeare thrown in for good measure in his speeches mesmerise an audience who is not familiar with his talks. After two, or three deliveries, they realise that there is nothing special about his crafted speeches.
Anwar has an incredible obsession with jet-setting around the world and has accumulated more air miles than the former tourism minister Ng Yen Yen.
Since becoming prime minister, many of us have lost count of the number of countries he has visited. Some once, others twice, and a few, probably three times. What is the percentage of time he spent abroad, during his two-year tenure?
Don't be fooled by his “I'm not working for money, I'm not paid any wages” lark. If he were just plain Tuan Anwar forking out his own money for his travel, then we can excuse his personal indulgence. As prime minister, this passion for travel is troubling.
How many hundreds of millions of ringgits of taxpayer's money has he spent on the government jet and his extensive entourage? Malaysian prime ministers never travel with just one aide.
The tripe about not being paid a salary is to distract you. Whilst in power, he will see as much of the world as possible and receive the red-carpet treatment at the same time. After all, we subsidise his travel.
Anwar needs to return home, to tackle many issues that are piling up in his backyard. Instead, he tries to be a champion of the Middle East and poke his nose in places where it is not wanted.
Promised reforms
Perhaps his most treacherous act is reneging on the promised reforms.
Everyone wants a piece of this besieged country. Despite their denials, the Islamists, including Anwar, want to turn it into an Islamic nation. Nepotism and cronyism play havoc in the corridors of power in Putrajaya. Corrupt leaders are reinstated with increased powers.
Some manufacturers/exporters are pleased with the economy because increasing export orders made them millionaires overnight. Not so the working class, who struggle and whose livelihoods are threatened by the import of cheap migrant labour. It is a manufacturer's paradise.
Freedom of speech is curtailed and is worse now, than during Najib's era.
Trolls help to prop up the Madani administration by constantly attacking Anwar's critics. Some of Anwar's admirers blame his critics for his increasing unpopularity. Actually, Anwar does not need any help, as he is doing a great job by himself.
Anwar's days are numbered, but we hardly hear about a succession plan. He appears to have more in common with his adversary, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Both refuse to relinquish power to the younger set.
Young politicians like Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman pose a threat to Anwar's leadership and so little effort is spared to help free him. Syed Saddiq was naive and was “punished” because he refused to kowtow to one former PM.
You may not realise it, but in the shadows lie a few good men and women, who are younger and not stuck in a rut like the old guard. They are more than capable of leading the nation along secular lines.
They will emerge. So, give democracy and good governance a chance because we are not receiving either under this Unity government.
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.
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