SEPTEMBER 16 had come and gone. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim failed to unseat Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the Prime Minister.
As a Muslim, Anwar should accept that he can plan, but God decides.
From the very beginning what he did was morally wrong, although politics by a Machiavelian standard is apolitical.
It may be the accepted norms in other developing countries, but Malaysia has come of age and our politicians should show maturity and dignity when clamouring for political power.
Anwar should have the patience to wait for the next general election and let the people decide. He already has control over five states and should concentrate on them by showing to the people how the Opposition governs these states.
In a democracy it is the people who actually hold and wield power and not the politicians. For in the words of Abraham Lincon, “democracy is government by the people, of the people and for the people.”
On March 8, the people decided to cut Barisan Nasional’s two-third majority and yet BN accepted the defeat graciously and respected the will of the people.
When Anwar won in the Permatang Pauh by-election, it was again an indication of the people’s will and again BN accepted it in good faith.
Instead of being arrogant, Anwar should be humble with his victory in Permatang Pauh. Buying over BN representatives runs counter to his anti-corruption campaign.
A man of virtue will not resort to unethical means to meet his objectives and he has indeed lost the respect of certain quarters.
As a member of the public, I call on Anwar to close ranks and work together in the interest of the country.
As a former Deputy Prime Minister and Umno strongman, he has access to Pak Lah and can contribute in terms of ideas etc.
As the Opposition Leader, he can play a constructive role by bringing up pressing issues which affect the rakyat directly.
What the people need is less politicking as there are many urgent matters affecting them, such as illegal immigrants, spiralling food prices, wayward youths, the education system, etc.etc.
I was in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a short stint when Pak Lah was the Minister. I had the opportunity to study him at close range.
In all honesty, Pak Lah is a God-fearing man, hardworking, humble and well-liked by civil servants. I believe he never yearned to be the Prime Minister. Tun Dr Mahathir probably saw the good values in Pak Lah and passed the premiership to him to the surprise of some hopefuls.
Being the Prime Minister is not as easy as being a Deputy Prime Minister.
Indeed, heavy is the head that wears the crown,as Pak lah has probably found out.
But as he said at a press conference, ”... being Prime Minister is not main-main and olok-olok..it is serious business...”
I believe Pak Lah is a man of his word. When the time comes he will honour his words and pass the baton to his annointed successor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Meanwhile, let Pak Lah do his job in peace.
HASSAN BIN TALIB,
Gombak, Selangor.
2 comments:
While some will agree with the writer's opinion on Anwar, some may be appalled by his very one-sided critism.
Pak Lah is facing the opposition from many different parties and directions - DSAI, TDM and worst of all from within BN especially UMNO, including the grassroot members.
I also strongly disagree with the writer's statement that BN (especially UMNO) has received the defeats in 308 and PP gracefully. There have been many signs of desperation among BN politicians who cannot accept the fact that their gravy train is at risk of stopping. Sad to say that is why many join UMNO. Even some in PAS is attracted by this gravy train.
As for Pak Lah being the PM - many would like to believe that he is a God fearing man. However, the actions by his ministers and police have often proved otherwise:
Failure to check his own cabinet ministers and party leaders on issues such as corruption.
Failure to improve the judiciary system which is paramount to a fair and just nation. AG is always acting impartially, many are still wondering why the Altantuya's case is still unresolved especially when it is given close scrutiny by International community.
Failure to make good and proportionate judgement to project the principle of fairness and justice on sensitive issues such as the Keris incident and abuse of ISA on Hindraf 5, Teresa Kok (a hardworking and caring MP) and Sin Chew reporter while allowing UMNO culprits who started it all to stay above the law.
Failure to control the worsening racial and religious relationship - e.g. allowing BTN to spread racial propaganda.
Failure to deflect the perception that his family members are unfairly benefiting from his premiership - in fact there are rumours that Kamaluddin is the one who is forcing his grip on the PM position, hiding behind the focus on KJ.
Failure to control his SIL before 308 - for making sensitive remarks and getting involved in dodgy corporate dealings.
Failure to improve transparency within the government - lack of disclosure on the use of Petronas' funds, Khazanah's balance sheet and investment strategies.
Failure to elevate rakyat's worsening condition in facing inflation - increasing petrol price significantly at ease but not reviewing the price as they fall.
Failure to focus on the country's economy mainly due to lack of knowledge and capability.
The list goes on...
All these have tainted his God fearing image even though he may be merely a rubber stamp for the various parties with their agendas.
His lack of leadership is hurting the country very badly. The transition plan is also too slow. The country would have suffered a lot more within the next 2 years.
In my opinion, he should accept the opinion of UMNO's grassroot and the majority of rakyat (many are already impatient for him to go) and bow out gracefully. As a leader, he should be responsible for all the failures within his premiership and decide on what is the best for the country instead of clinging to power.
In the 918 UMNO Supreme Council meeting, he has already been told to step aside rather than facing the humiliation of not getting enough nominations to be the President of UMNO in the upcoming election in December. Such is the unpopularity of Pak Lah that he should bow out gracefully instead of being forced to do so.
perantau,
please do not underestimate the power of gravy train. It's gaining pace now. Pak Lah just announced that he'll defend his post. Immediately promoted Shahidan Kassim as 'advicer' to NCER.
Many people are not aware that Pak Lah did not hand over Khazanah to Najib, which is part of Finance Minister's portfolio.
Your guess is as good as mine.
It's going to be really ugly from now until December. Let's see what is Apa Nama's next step. I've lost count of how many factions are there within UMNO right now. In the meantime, kita sama sama merana.
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