Criticism has a place, but so does responsibility

 

Malaysia has once again been drawn into a heated public debate following recent statements by Rafizi Ramli concerning Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the leadership of MACC.

Strong criticism is not new in politics. Healthy disagreement is part of democracy. But there is a point where criticism begins to feel less like accountability and more like a personal contest.

People who follow politics closely can sense the difference.

The issue raised involves allegations reported by an international media outlet regarding MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki. These matters are serious and deserve proper scrutiny.

No one disputes that integrity must be upheld, especially in institutions meant to fight corruption. The concern, however, lies not just in what is said, but in how and when it is said.

Rafizi’s reaction came swiftly and publicly, framed as a direct attack on the prime minister’s leadership and judgment. This approach raises questions.

Why escalate the issue in this manner now, especially after stepping away from executive responsibility? Why aim directly at the government when the matter is still within investigative processes?

On the ground, many ordinary supporters are simply confused by this approach.

The prime minister’s response may not have satisfied everyone, but portraying it as a failure of integrity oversimplifies the reality.

Leadership is not about reacting to every accusation with immediate dismissal. It is about allowing institutions to function, investigations to proceed, and due process to take its course. This is not a weakness. It is a restraint.

The argument that someone who has delivered results should be excused from wrongdoing is clearly flawed. No one is above the law. But the opposite is also true. No one should be condemned and removed purely on public pressure before investigations conclude. That balance is precisely what separates reform from revenge.

Comparisons with past leaders are often used to score rhetorical points, but they rarely add clarity. Laws apply equally, but processes matter. Justice is not served by shortcuts, nor by political theatrics.

Accountability is necessary

What troubles many observers is the tone. The repeated naming, the personal jabs, and the unnecessary references to family members give the impression that this is no longer about governance, but about unresolved internal rivalry.

Timing matters in politics, and this timing raises eyebrows even among those who once supported him.

At a time when people are tired of internal fights, this kind of public attack feels unnecessary.

ADS

Political parties are not personal property. They belong to members who worked on the ground, who defended the party during difficult years, and who continue to believe in reform beyond individual ambitions. Disagreements should strengthen institutions, not fracture them.

It is also worth reflecting honestly. Rafizi himself was not without shortcomings during his tenure as economy minister. Grand ideas were announced, but few policies left a lasting imprint. That is not a condemnation, but a reminder that governance is complex, and perfection is rare.

Criticism has its place. Accountability is necessary. But leadership also means knowing when to build and when to hold back.

Malaysia’s focus today should be clear. The rakyat want stability, integrity, and progress. They want leaders who strengthen institutions, not weaken trust through endless internal battles. If criticism is sincere, it should come with solutions, cooperation, and respect for the process.

Anything else risks becoming noise. And noise, no matter how loud, does not move a country forward. - Mkini

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MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary. He is now a PKR member.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.