PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has poked fun on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who yesterday (Dec 23) claimed that his meeting with newly minted Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto in Langkawi has to be cancelled at the eleventh hour as the latter was “down with fever/flu (demam)”.
This came about as the Indonesian Cabinet secretary Mayor Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that Prabowo who had just returned from abroad “is in pink of health”. “There are urgent matters that he has to attend to in Jakarta,” added Teddy.
“This denial is not only surprising but also raises the question if we’re witnessing a leader who likes to make up stories?” teased Fadhli who is also the Pasir Mas MP in a Facebook post.
“More interestingly, it invites another sarcastic question: is this Thaksin’s first advice to Datuk Seri? If true, it seems that the ‘advice’ did not start on the right note.”
Describing the Prabowo unwell excuse as a “weak narrative”, the PAS lawmaker pointed out that it would be much easier for PMX “to be truthful than to spin a story”.
“If the meeting is cancelled for some reason, the rakyat do not need additional stories that end up shooting oneself in the foot. The people want honesty, not dramatic excuses that create doubts”
Learn from Santa Claus
Fadhli further expressed concern that PM’s action would have adverse impact on Malaysia’s credibility. “Indonesia acted quickly to issue a statement to deny this ‘fever’ claim, showing how seriously they take want to maintain the integrity of their leader,” he asserted.
“On the contrary, the invention of excuses like this by our leader only embarrasses Malaysians. Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia which should be close are now marred by unnecessary confusion.
“What is even more sad is the impact on the country’s credibility. When our leaders’ official statements can be questioned, how can other regional leaders trust Malaysia in larger matters? Do we want to be known as a country that likes to make up stories or as a reliable diplomatic partner?”
More broadly, the PAS lawmaker also wondered if this an isolated case “or are we actually being led by a storyteller who likes to create narratives that are not based on reality?”
“This episode should open the eyes of the rakyat that the leaders they elect must prioritise honesty and transparency. If even simple things like this can be made into stories, what about more complex issues?”
Fadhli further chided PMX that if he ever wanted to create a story, he should have emulated Santa Claus “who although is just a fairy tale character, is remembered for bringing joy and inspiration to others”.
“On the other hand, this ‘Prabowo fever’ narrative has brought nothing but shame to Malaysians. It is time for our leaders to stop making up stories and start building the people’s trust with honesty, not imagination,” suggested the two-term Pasir Mas MP.
“Merry Christmas, Datuk Seri.” – Focus Malaysia
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