Anwar’s wake-up call

 

What a disappointment!

In the run-up to the state elections, we had to endure weeks of never-ending talk about protecting Malay rights, and defending Islam. With normality restored, writers, columnists and socio-political observers can now discuss more important issues, like the cost of living crisis and the economy.

If truth be told, the state elections were marred. Many people supported Anwar’s unity government, not because the coalition was good, but only because the alternative, PN, was terrible. That is not a good premise to start with.

Disappointingly, after the threats by ministers, the police reports, the legal action taken by politicians and corporation bosses against bloggers, the endless ceramahs, and the prime ministerial entourage criss-crossing the peninsular to campaign, Anwar could only manage a “status quo” of state governments. Did the millions of ringgit spent justify the results?

Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu remained under PN control, whilst PH retained Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. We might as well not have bothered.

The hustings were bogged down by the “same-old, same-old” style of campaigning, reminiscent of previous Umno-Baru versus PAS skirmishes.

Even the winning results were dreary, but there is no denying that the ultimate winner is PN.

PN failed to secure control of another state, but they did manage to get a foot in the door in Penang and command a much stronger presence in Selangor.

What spoiled it for Pakatan Harapan? In the weeks before the state elections, we were told that Jakim would be included in national policy making, Islamic institutions were in receipt of millions of ringgit in funding, more money had been allocated for civil servants, there was talk about the harmonisation of both civil and shariah laws, followed by promises for educational reforms.

These sent out mixed messages to the electorate.

Malaysians are fearful of the onslaught of the “green wave” which hints at further Islamisation of the country and yet Jakim would be dictating our lives.

The plan to harmonise both shariah and civil laws failed to reassure many people either. They only have to recall the Indira Gandhi case, the whipping of women which goes against federal law, or the protests which accompanied events like Oktoberfest or the Bon Odori festival.

In the end, the results probably showed that the rakyat in the six states failed to be convinced by Anwar’s Madani administration.

Despite Anwar’s promises, the electorate in the northern conservative states continued to support their leaders, whom they know best and trust.

There is a possibility that scaremongering the electorate with the “green wave” had backfired.

There are many Malays whose faith is strong. When politicians frightened people with the endless barrage that the country would be led by PAS or an extremist leader, it is possible that “the green wave threat” rhetoric did not go down well with many Malays. Did some of them possibly see this as an attack against Islam?

Perhaps the biggest anomaly is the elephant in the room, i.e. Umno-Baru. Anwar’s supporters have been forced to close one eye about Pakatan Harapan teaming-up with Umno-Baru. They find it unacceptable that corrupt Umno-Baru ministers are part of the government as it also makes them look like hypocrites.

On one hand, the rakyat is pleased that corrupt politicians are being charged, tried and punished, but being forced to accept corrupt ministers in the Cabinet, is an insult. Many already hold the deputy PM in contempt. Moreover, the process of bringing the corrupt to justice is laboriously slow.

At the start of the campaign period, many may have supported Anwar as leader of the unity government. They did this not because they were impressed with his politics, but more likely as he is a good orator, and, as they are constantly reminded, “there are no other suitable leaders for Putrajaya”.

If Indians are allegedly the kingmakers, then one wonders how much damage Anwar’s outburst against the Indian student, had affected the election results? The young girl asked relevant and pertinent questions about the different responses towards the examination results of Malay and non-Malay students.

Anwar’s mask slipped and we had a glimpse of his real self, who was more interested in winning elections than practising meritocracy and fairness.

The poor election results are also a test of Anwar’s leadership.

Instead of bending over backwards for the Malays and insulting them by wooing them with perks, Anwar should treat them with respect and dignity, and not pander to their every wish.

When will he learn that it’s not about the numbers? It’s about quality. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.