Anwar might just be feigning weakness as a weapon

Opinion: Anwar might just be feigning weakness as a weapon



22 Jul 2025 • 9:30 AM MYT



TheRealNehruism
Writer. Seeker. Teacher

Image credit : CNA


In just a few days, the Malaysian opposition is set to hold a massive rally on July 26. The organizers are ambitiously expecting a turnout of 300,000 participants. While this number may be overly optimistic—given that their previous rally in Shah Alam attracted only 300 people—even the police are anticipating around 15,000 attendees and are deploying 2,000 personnel to manage the event.


In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued multiple statements declaring that he will not resign under pressure. He challenged his critics to bring a motion of no confidence in Parliament if they truly want to remove him—rather than resorting to protests on the street.


“Insya-Allah, I will not step down. If I had stolen public funds and people demand my resignation, then fine. But I did not steal anyone’s money. I've been prime minister for nearly three years now, and I ask — where have we awarded projects through direct negotiation? All must go through the tender process.


“Use Parliament. Criticise if you must. If the Opposition has the numbers, they can table a motion — that’s the proper way. Persuade any MP (member of Parliament) to support you. If I lose, I will step down gracefully. That’s the peaceful way,” he said.


On the surface, that Anwar is sounding like he is afraid of being forced to resign, might suggest that Anwar feels threatened and that his administration could be on the verge of collapse. But there’s another possibility: Anwar may not actually feel politically vulnerable at all. Instead, he may be projecting vulnerability—deliberately choosing to look weak in order to defuse public anger and reposition himself as a humble, responsive leader.


One of the clearest signs that a leader is operating from a position of strength is when they can afford to appear weak. Anwar’s ability to do this is what distinguishes him from other leaders—such as Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh.


Hasina, despite her 15-year tenure and relatively successful administration, was ousted by mass unrest in 2024. Her downfall began when she responded with excessive force to student protests over job quota policies. Hundreds of protestors died, and instead of de-escalating tensions, her harsh reaction fanned the flames of dissent. She failed to read the emotional temperature of her people and lacked the confidence to accommodate criticism, which ultimately cost her everything.


Anwar, in contrast, has already demonstrated his ability to de-escalate public outcry by allowing space for dissent and then responding in a way that seems accommodating. A recent example was the controversy surrounding judicial appointments. When accusations of executive interference in judicial independence began swirling—including from MPs within his own coalition and 400 lawyers marching in protest—Anwar didn’t lash out. He not only allowed the protests to play out, he even allowed his own daughter joined in the protest.


After that, he moved swiftly to appoint a top judge who aligned with public and professional expectations. By appearing to “capitulate,” he pacified critics and defused the issue entirely.


This skill—to manage a crisis by appearing weak—is a powerful political tool. It suggests not cowardice, but strategic foresight. It takes real internal strength and long-term vision to absorb public pressure and turn it to one’s advantage.


Anwar, like Mahathir in his prime, understands Malaysians deeply. He doesn’t just listen to what people say; he observes what they mean. Malaysians are complex—capable of simultaneous discontent and appreciation almost simultenously. Today Malaysians might be against you, but tomorrow, if you know how to manage their discontent well, you can easily make them change their mind about you.


Anwar reads this well. So even as criticism against him rises across racial, regional, and class lines, and even as anticipation builds for the "Turun Anwar" rally, Anwar likely sees more than just anger—he sees also the limits of that anger and the manner to mitigate the anger by appearing weak, rather than to enflame it further by appearing strong.



Yes, he may be publicly admitting that he will step down only through a parliamentary vote—but I suspect this is more political theatre than genuine concern. Come July 26, Anwar will likely emerge to say he has heard the voice of the people, express regret, pledge improvement, and perhaps announce some popular reforms or allocations to soothe tensions.


Just as the judicial integrity issue evaporated after he handled it deftly, this wave of opposition too might dissipate shortly after the rally. Anwar will absorb the blow, appear as if he has been chastised by it, come out as contrite and humble, and by doing so, persuade the masses to move on, rather than cling to their discontent against him.


Let’s not forget: when Anwar first took power in 2022, his position was extremely fragile. His coalition barely held together, and any misstep could have cost him the premiership. Today, despite loud criticism and scattered threats, no realistic challenger has the political clout to unseat him. The opposition is fragmented. His own coalition, while occasionally rebellious, lacks the cohesion or courage to topple him.


This did not happen by chance. Brick by brick, inch by inch, dollar by dollar, Anwar has spent every day since 2022 fortifying his position—strategically, incrementally, and with ruthless discipline.


He is not just a survivor; he is a consolidator. Except for Mahathir, no one in recent Malaysian history has matched Anwar’s instinct for political survival and power-building.


For years, Anwar was a formidable opposition figure capable of destabilizing even the strongest incumbents. Now that he is the incumbent, it will take far more than public frustration or a single protest to bring him down.


And so, what we may be witnessing today is not the downfall of Anwar—but another masterclass in how he maneuvers through storms, absorbs hits, and emerges stronger.


Feigned weakness is not a sign of defeat. In Anwar’s hands, it’s a weapon.