It seems that the whole of Malaysia is up in arms against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - at least, from what we have read in the media and in chat group discourses over the past few days.
What was the stinging issue that has triggered so much backlash against the government? What else but the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Premier Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
To be honest, I’m actually very surprised, if not shocked, that so many are still surprised and shocked about Zahid’s discharge.
Even the so-called ‘experts’ within the legal circle, civil society, analysts, journalists, and the politicians themselves seemed to be taken by surprise. I would have thought that they knew this was coming.
Or shall I say they just find it impossible to accept that Zahid, the Umno president with huge baggage, could get away scot-free, at least for now? The DNAA opens the possibility of Zahid being recharged in the future if prosecutors wish to revisit the matter.
I will not join the bandwagon of those who have expressed great disappointment and even anger at Anwar and his unity government over Zahid’s DNAA.
Why? For one simple reason. It’s all politics, stupid!
Why so surprised?
Seriously, are we still surprised about what goes on when we are in this hell of a political mess for so long? Malaysians are still suffering and in agony because of bad politics.
How many times have we heard that “it is politically motivated” when opponents of those in power are hauled up for alleged corruption or other criminal acts?
And when those linked to the government of the day obtained a favourable judgement in court, like Zahid, it has to be political interference, isn’t it?
Hello, it is all politics! Surely, we are not that naïve.
Of course, Anwar has to declare that he did not interfere in Zahid’s case but left it to the attorney-general to decide. What, do we expect to hear the prime minister admit that he has a hand in Zahid’s exoneration of his corruption charges? We have to be fools to even think of that.
Again, isn’t this all politics?
And because everything is all politics, it means that Anwar has to lie, through his teeth, if need be, and if he felt strongly that his action was to protect the greater political interest of the nation and people.
And also because of politics, the prime minister can feel secure and confident that he has done no wrong but has made the right call even if he has to lie to the people and know deep inside that he has helped to release a corrupt man.
Folks, there are political games being played and the onus is on us to be a step ahead of some of the games those in power would unleash, thinking that the people would fall for them all the time. You and I have to be on top of the games they play, as far as possible.
I have a feeling that the feeble attempts by Pakatan Harapan allies, DAP and Amanah, at questioning Zahid’s DNAA, were also part of the game. They had to join the chorus of disapproval and discontentment because it was the popular thing to do.
Even PKR Youth also stepped forward to question whether there was a “plot” in the AGC’s decision to withdraw the charges against Zahid. Another addition to the game?
Political games
Political games can be found at various levels of government and are an inherent part of the political landscape. They are employed by politicians to achieve their objectives, gain power and influence decision-making.
Indeed, political games are a natural consequence of the competitive and complex nature of politics. While some may view them as necessary tools for achieving political goals, others criticise them as detrimental to the democratic process and public trust.
Whatever it may be, I think that we have to wise up to these games being played by politicians. The Zahid case has caused a lot of backlash for the government from individuals and groups who should know better.
Some have worked themselves up to such an extent that they probably could not sleep soundly for a few nights thinking of how on earth Zahid managed to be freed in such a manner. Their anger at the prime minister is understandable, although misplaced.
Call me naïve or silly for not condemning Zahid’s DNAA and for supporting that the corrupt can also go free. But hey, don’t we know that this is all politics and in politics, nothing is impossible?
Assuming Rosmah Mansor also gets a DNAA in time to come or Najib Abdul Razak suddenly receives a pardon from the outgoing Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the next few months.
Should we be surprised or shocked too? No, don’t be. I won’t because I know it’s all politics lah!
Finally, I wish to state that no matter Anwar’s mistakes, follies, and poor judgment calls now and again, I still believe we should allow his unity government to serve out the five-year term with him as prime minister.
Because, as I’ve always stressed – the other side is not an option. It never will. - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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