Is Najib giving the Bugis a bad name?

Malay culture frowns on those who harp on their past good deeds when faced with criticism, says Shahbudin Husin.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak appears of late to be disoriented, panicky and apparently trying to do anything and everything possible to save his position, political analyst Shahbudin Husin has observed.

Even so, he adds, the chair that Najib sits on becomes shakier day by day.

In his latest blog posting, Shahbudin takes issue with Najib’s recently acquired habit of recalling his past good deeds to gain leverage over critics, such as harping on how he helped former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad stay in power for 22 years.

“It’s not the done thing in Malay culture,” says the blogger.

He notes that Najib uses a similar appeal when talking about things he has allegedly done for the poor.

“No matter what the pressures, he shouldn’t bring up what he has done for the poor and low income groups,” he says. “Isn’t it the work of the government to serve the people? Is it a sin if the people speak up and express themselves? He castigated the people for keeping quiet when they received BR1M but kicking up a fuss over GST.”

Referring to Najib’s pot shots at Mahathir, Shahbudin says, “In Malay culture, Najib’s constant reference to whatever good he has done for the former PM is considered abominable.

“Only those who have exhausted their capital to debate indulge in such bad and repetitive behaviour. If we have done good, it’s for others to bring it up. We should not take it upon ourselves to tell everybody.”

Shahbudin says that when he next comes across a Bugis person, he will ask whether Najib’s behaviour is typical of the race or whether he’s just an exception.

Shahbudin also says it appears that the Prime Minister is running out of people to meet to woo for support.

He notes that Najib met Umno veterans yesterday, a few days after meeting the members of Mubarak Selangor. Mubarak is an association of former elected representatives.

“Next, if those defeated in elections want to meet him, they should have no problems. Najib would be willing to meet them as well,” he says. “After all, he has been willing to humble himself, meeting with pensioners and veterans.”