Ramasamy to PMX: “Nobody forced you to accept the premiership, you can always leave as you wish”

 

MY SIMPLE advice to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is that if he cannot govern the country, he should let go of his position.

Nobody forced him to accept the role, knowing very well the challenges, particularly during trying times.

It is not necessary to label his detractors buta huruf (illiterate/ignorant) for not understanding the economic situation of the country.

Anwar cannot take credit for fighting corruption when those linked to him are left without being investigated.

He has yet to give the green light for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (ROI) on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki nor on the nefarious phenomenon of the presence of a “corporate mafia” or the alleged links between certain departments in the MACC and the shady corporate world.

Anwar has also yet to investigate the alleged links between politicians in PKR and the corporate world.

So what is the bravado Anwar talking about when going after those who have amassed wealth through corruption?

If Anwar cannot put up with criticisms of his management of the country, then he should not have criticised former premiers such as Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Whatever one might say about these leaders, they were certainly not as vindictive as Anwar.

Taking criticism in stride

If Anwar thinks that his detractors are ignorant, he should have provided a step-by-step logical explanation of the oil crisis rather than hiding behind the Gulf War and the choking of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rather than denying that fuel was shipped to the Philippines, he should have provided a clear explanation.

It must be remembered that Anwar is both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

Isn’t it about time that he passed the baton of the finance portfolio to someone else with the required qualifications rather than holding on to the post?

Anwar’s detractors might be ignorant but they are certainly not less qualified than those who have not gone beyond their basic degree.

Anwar himself has a basic degree in Malay Studies yet he presents himself as being equipped with knowledge in the realms of philosophy, religion and other fields.

A good leader will accept criticisms of the government in a good and healthy spirit rather than lashing out at critics.

The rise in fuel prices is affecting the lives of ordinary Malaysians who depend on fuel for going to work and to conduct their businesses.

They are not as fortunate as the PM and ministers who receive various allowances.

I want to reiterate once again that if the PM’s seat is becoming exceedingly hot, Anwar should – with one stroke of the pen – tender his resignation.

Is Anwar prepared to do this? 

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.