THE attempt to compare Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to global icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela (by DAP Jelutong MP RSN Rayer) borders on sycophantic exaggeration.
Far from elevating his stature, such comparisons risk damaging his credibility, especially when his recent actions leave much to be desired.
The Madani” government with its wide-ranging and often vague branding has leveraged the term for political propaganda.
However, Anwar’s performance over the past two years has been marked by contradictions and missed opportunities for substantive reforms.
Global tourist vs statesman
Anwar’s revelation in Parliament that 80% of his foreign trips are financed by private companies raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.
If these trips are truly aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s global standing – particularly on issues like the Palestinian crisis – why rely on private sponsorships?
The public deserves to know the companies involved, the amounts spent and what they stand to gain.
Anwar’s claim that these sponsorships are voluntary and without expectations strains credibility in a world where “free lunches” are rare.
Adding to the controversy, his daughter Nurul Izzah accompanied him on some of these trips though her official role remains unclear.
Such instances contribute to the growing perception of Anwar as more of a global tourist than a statesman.
Palestinian question
Anwar’s positioning as a champion of the Palestinian cause also invites scepticism.
His inconsistent responses – such as his “yes, yes” reply to a CNN journalist Richard Quest asking if Israel should exist – has undermined his credibility.
Instead of anchoring his support for Israel’s existence to the establishment of a Palestinian state, he seemingly pandered to Western audiences.
Such missteps explain why Anwar holds little weight in Arab diplomatic circles where internal conflicts dominate priorities.
His role in international forums appears more symbolic than substantive.
Missed reforms
On the domestic front, Anwar’s leadership is riddled with contradictions. Far-reaching reforms – once the cornerstone of his political rhetoric – have taken a backseat to political survival.
The Madani government increasingly relies on racial and religious narratives, offering little more than token gestures to marginalised communities like the non-Malays.
Even long-standing traditions such as appointing an Indian minister have been abandoned, raising doubts about his commitment to inclusivity.
Yet, certain sycophants in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition continue to paint Anwar as a saviour of the Indian community despite the lack of meaningful change.
The myth of foreign investments
Anwar frequently announces billions of foreign investments purportedly secured during his travels.
Yet, Malaysia has seen little tangible impact in terms of job creation, revenue growth or debt reduction.
A parliamentary audit committee should be established to scrutinise these claims and verify whether these claimed investments did materialise.
Conclusion
In essence, the comparison of Anwar to Gandhi or Mandela is not only premature but misplaced.
While both Gandhi and Mandela endured great personal sacrifice to achieve transformative change, Anwar’s tenure so far has been characterised by political expediency, empty rhetoric and a lack of substantive reform.
Rather than elevating him with exaggerated comparisons, it is time to evaluate Anwar’s leadership based on tangible outcomes – both at home and abroad.
The challenges Malaysia faces demand real action – not grandstanding or borrowed symbolism. – Nov 22, 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: Lead with Humanity
