PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may hold the nation’s top office but is he the “Father of the Nation”?
That title – if anyone could claim it – must come from the people and not from Anwar himself.
And the title requires a leader with a vision for the country, not one mired in questionable compromises and political back-scratching.
Anwar’s tendency to pontificate on ancient philosophical texts – while stumbling over their pronunciation – does little to elevate his credibility.
Even experts tread carefully with sources like Thirukkural yet Anwar’s frequent mispronunciations turn these profound verses into unintended punchlines.
Perhaps the biggest joke is his newfound warmth toward disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s “apology” over the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) scandal – a fiasco that drained billions from Malaysian coffers.
Najib who faces heavy legal repercussions cannot just say “sorry” and expect Malaysians to forget the devastation wrought by 1MDB.
Anwar once demanded that stolen funds be returned. But in his current PM capacity, his stance seems to have softened. A quick “sorry” doesn’t bring back the billions lost or ease the staggering foreign debts Malaysians shoulder.
Soft spot for UMNO
If twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had done something right, it was holding Najib accountable. He wasn’t perfect and had his own agenda but he pursued justice.
Anwar’s cordial acceptance of Najib’s apology feels like a betrayal to those who stood by him during his years in political exile. Is this the “gratitude” Malaysians get?
Now, there is talk of new legislation that could grant house arrest for Najib.
Are we creating a dual prison system in Malaysia – one for the elite and another for everyone else? If so, Anwar may go down in history as the leader who institutionalised double standards – surely not as a national father figure.
A true “Father of the Nation” would focus on the future of his people, not political convenience. Ironically, Anwar’s energy seems directed toward resuscitating UMNO – hardly the most inspiring move, especially with a party notorious for corruption.
The discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) of UMNO’s president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was one big brouhaha and now the house arrest for Najib is another.
What’s next in this Madani government? Is this truly the leader Malaysians want? Or is it time to look for alternatives?
If Anwar has the respect of statesman like Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, I suppose he could qualify for such a status. – Oct 29, 2024
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: AP
