I AM astounded that DAP which has been Rip Van Winkling for some time seems to have been energised after its electoral debacle in the Sabah state election.
Not only did DAP asked for the promised reforms but gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a six-month period to implement them with a caveat that the party will remain loyal to him even if reforms were not forthcoming.
Wonder what kind of deadline was this without the teeth.
But soon it turned out that the party leaders were not looking for broader institutional reforms but mainly focused on the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), an important item on the party’s agenda.
Despite the buzz surrounding the issue, the recognition soon fizzled out as Anwar, the chameleon-like politician, was more focussed on obtaining Malay support rather than appeasing those in DAP.
Maybe the DAP leaders want to answer the question as whatever happened to the much talked of recognition of the UEC?
From UEC to Azam Baki
A simple administrative decision was turned into a major political issue no thanks to DAP.
The recognition of UEC will be left in abeyance for some time. One thing is for sure: Anwar will not recognise the UEC. There is nothing DAP can do about it – with deadline or not.
Even before the UEC matter could be amicably settled, DAP having miserably failed wasted no time in jumping on to another popular bandwagon – the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki’s involvement in the purchase of shares in two listed entities – Velocity Capital Partner Bhd and AwanBiru Technology Bhd – that exceeded the legal limit for the civil servants.
The matter of Azam dabbling in the share market is nothing new as few years ago he was accused of having shares ostensibly on behalf of his brother. He was subsequently cleared of this involvement.
However, the earlier accusations did not prevent him from further dabbling in the share market of the two companies far exceeding the legal limit accorded to civil servants.
The exposure by the international news agency Bloomberg of not only the shares of Azam but also the nefarious links between a section in the MACC with some corporate figures has brought to fore what is termed as “corporate mafia”.
Apparently, some in the MACC by establishing close links with those in the corporate world have engaged in the nefarious practice of intimidating companies’ personnel of partaking with their shares at the rock bottom price to those in the “corporate mafia”.
‘Too many perks at stake to walk out’
DAP seems to have caught on the issue of the “corporate mafia” to the extent it wants the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on the presence of “corporate mafia” in the country, especially the nefarious links between some elements in the corporate world and the MACC.
Given Azam is currently Anwar’s favourite civil servant, will the latter order a RCI on the MACC – perhaps not only on the graft buster chief per se but the close ties between the corporate world and the agency?
Certainly, a RCI will be preferable to other investigative agencies given its power base and terms of reference. However, the staffing of the RCI especially the chairman will determine the efficacy of the royal commission.
What if Anwar names a chairman who might be loyal to the political establishment? Without proper leadership, the best of intentions might not work in the larger public interest.
Whether DAP is calling for RCI to shore up its waning political support or genuine about getting to the bottom of the MACC’s misdeeds remains to be seen.
Even if the government fails to set up a RCI, it is highly doubtful that DAP will quit the ruling coalition government of Anwar.
The overwhelming fear of losing power, positions and perks (3Ps) remains foremost in the minds of DAP leaders.
Anwar is too sleek as politician to fall for the deadlines and threats of DAP. Under the most extenuating circumstances, even if DAP calls it a day with the government, Anwar might forge links with the Malay-based to form the government.
The question is whether DAP leaders are prepared to be left in the political wilderness?
Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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