Anwar selective about what he wants to read or hear

 

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

― Evelyn Beatrice Hall, as an illustration of Voltaire’s beliefs

On the outset, let me declare that I do not know and have not met US academic Bruce Gilley and neither do I subscribe or agree with his latest utterances which I read, and the reaction from local leaders.

I am also against any form of violence and certainly sympathise with the people of Palestine who are being driven to the brink of starvation and death by the actions of the Israeli army.

However, I am against anyone trying to rile up people against those who express views contrary to the government’s opinions.

Yes, Gilley did ruffle more than a few feathers but why is the line of reaction and argument based on the lines of intra-party and inter-party bickering by local politicians?

Bruce Gilley

If the intention is to score brownie points ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, there are even better ways in which the task can be completed with finesse.

Maybe, these are efforts to balance and counter the anti-Madani narratives in the campaign - where the Indian community is being told that “Anwar Ibrahim is the prime minister of Palestine” and that “Palestinians get more money than the Indian community”.

Gilley based his views and what he had read and he is entitled to them but if you disagree with him or his views, the best is to first deny his assertions and then counter his narratives - not demonise or ridicule him.

It is important to ask: Aren’t Malaysians entitled to have access to different views and perspectives on the situation worldwide not restricted to Gaza?

Should Malaysians only listen and accept the views of the government and its leaders blindly?

So, in the future, will only those who subscribe to Malaysia’s views will be invited? Are we going to get a deluge of sycophants who sing the same tune as Anwar? Will that be the passport to an all-paid holiday in Malaysia for many?

Does the government expect us to shut our ears to global views or has the government taken a leaf from George W Bush’s infamous statement - “either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists”.

Remember the Penang teen?

Last June, a teenager asked Anwar politely about the quota system for places to pursue a matriculation course.

A video clip of that encounter went viral with accusations that the prime minister bullied her based on his demeanour during the question-and-answer session at a “Temu Anwar” session at the Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang in Kepala Batas.

I then wrote: “After having watched the videotape, it would be pertinent to dismiss the allegation that Anwar bullied the questioner but to say she should have been treated better would be an understatement.

Surely, the same methodology cannot be used on Gilley and his claims cannot be summarily dismissed by affixing labels.

“A mediocre scholar who should not have been brought as a visiting professor in the first place,” Anwar was reported to have said.

Earlier this month, for two weeks, no one (Anwar and his cabinet colleagues included) had the gall and gumption to stand up to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who went on a rampage with his words.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh

But a single lecture has resulted in scorn being poured over an academic who delivered it.

Wasn’t anyone worried about the repercussions of Akmal’s actions? Why then did they not attempt to stop it and their silence resulted in KK Supermarket branches being firebombed?

In a column on Sunday, I asked of Anwar’s silence on the issue: “A sign of weakness or an indication of being subservient to Umno and its brand of politics?”

While Anwar has been quick to jump on Gilley, he has not responded to this question and several others raised previously.

This has led me to believe that spin doctors and aides are only letting him read what he likes to read or being told what he wants to hear. - Mkini

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R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.