Analyst: Anwar should keep his word and let Dr M run the show

Political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff says public criticism of Cabinet initiatives reveals democracy and openness in PH but also shows serious disagreements within the PH leadership.

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PETALING JAYA: A political analyst says Anwar Ibrahim should keep his word and allow Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad the space to administer the country, following criticism by Anwar and other PKR figures on initiatives related to the finance ministry like exposes of corruption and Tabung Harapan Malaysia.

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff said while such public outbursts highlighted the democracy and openness in Pakatan Harapan (PH), they also indicated serious disagreements between Anwar and his supporters, and the Mahathir-led government.

He said while disagreements were healthy, having them in the public domain gave the perception of disunity within the new government.

“Prior to this, Anwar said he would not interfere and also called on his party members to support Mahathir, so when he makes public comments on decisions by Mahathir and his Cabinet, it sends a different signal,” he told FMT.

He added that Anwar might feel he had the right to speak up, given that he was the de facto leader of PH.

He suggested that the PH presidential council meet more than once a month so that issues could be ironed out.

“Alternatively, Anwar can raise issues with the government through his wife, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, so they can be discussed through government channels.”

Kamarul said the disagreements over government decisions might expedite any plans Anwar could have to stand in a by-election and return to the Dewan Rakyat.

“Perhaps one way Mahathir can reduce this issue of disagreements would be to appoint Anwar as a senator and include him in the Cabinet so that he can air his grievances behind closed doors.

“The foreign ministry might suit Anwar. He doesn’t have to be an MP until Mahathir hands power over to him,” he added.

Anwar had previously urged Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to focus on building investors’ confidence and to leave exposing the wrongdoings of the previous administration to others. Lim responded by saying he was only doing as he had been told by Mahathir.

Most recently, PKR Central Leadership Council member Latheefa Koya criticised Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a “politically charged fund” after a 12-year-old donated his savings of eight months at an event earlier this week.

Speaking to FMT, social activist and former PKR deputy president Chandra Muzaffar said he disagreed with Latheefa’s statement.

He said the fund should be seen as a way for the people to become involved in reducing the country’s debt.

“It is a drop in the ocean, but I think it’s worthwhile and something positive because it’s voluntary and allows people to participate.” -FMT