PH must explain continued trust in ‘nearly man’ Anwar as leader

 

From Rahim Zainuddin

Pakatan Harapan (PH) may boast of a “big tent”, but the aspiration of one man to become prime minister is surely a big dent to its hopes of ever regaining Putrajaya.

No doubt Anwar Ibrahim has, over the years, displayed in public the ability and charisma to lead this country.

A skilled orator, he commands a captive audience, lacing well-reasoned arguments on issues with just the right amount of wit, humour and sarcasm. It is one of the reasons why Anwar has always had popular support. Even today, he is the people’s choice for prime minister.

He also has enough experience in government, having risen through the ranks to become deputy prime minister (1993 – 1998), and has held important portfolios, such as minister for culture, youth and sports (1983 – 1984), agriculture (1984 – 1986), education (1986 – 1991) and finance (1991 – 1998) along the way.

In fact, it was as minister of finance that he gained the respect of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and worldwide acclaim for prudent policies, even if they were unpopular.

That international reputation has stayed with him, and he has been hailed as the one whom foreign investors would trust the most.

Yet something always seems to lurk behind the scenes, preventing him from claiming the top prize.

Why else is someone as bland as Ismail Sabri Yaakob able to pip him to the premiership?

PH’s constituent political parties and its members of Parliament need to be forthright with the rakyat about why this is so. Presently, they appear content to put up a show of blind loyalty.

The public, however, is not fooled. The brief tug-of-war between Anwar and Warisan leader Shafie Apdal that surfaced over the last two weeks hinted at rumblings beneath the surface.

Monday’s statement by the PH presidential council that it will continue to stand by Anwar for the next general election is of no help whatsoever.

It merely prolongs the riddle as to why a man who has repeatedly claimed to have the confidence of the majority in Parliament always ends up being the “nearly man.”

No one will deny Anwar his place in our political history. Over the last 23 years he has waged many a battle – both public and personal – in pursuit of reform. There’s no doubt, Malaysians are grateful to him for his unwavering tenacity.

The grand prize, however, seems a step too far, and both Anwar and the PH leadership must accept that. The time has come for the opposition to kick on without him at the helm.

Unless, of course, PH itself is content being the “nearly” federal government. -FMT

Rahim Zainuddin is a FMT reader

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.