Looking back now, I realise why, as prime minister of Malaysia, I was described as a dictator. There were many things I did which were typically dictatorial.
– Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
THEY say that a week is a long time in politics. That is as real and as correct as saying that a day is also a long time in politics.
Actually, the popular adage means that politics can be so uncertain that anything can change at the spur of the moment.
Political events and circumstances can change rapidly and unpredictably, and that what may be true or important one week may no longer be so the following week.
The phrase highlights the volatile and dynamic nature of politics, and the need for politicians to remain flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances.
Seriously, one does not have to be a politician or partake in active politics to understand how uncertain, unstable and fluid politics can be.
Yet, despite these negative vibes surrounding politics, many are still drawn to it. Once they are in the thick of politics and have tasted power, it is very difficult to let go.
We have just witnessed an example at home of how unpredictable politics can be.
Many of us must be aware that barely three weeks or a month ago, there was this talk of the imminent collapse of the unity government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Claims of a coup to oust Anwar have resurfaced, this time the purported scheme was said to involve 12 MPs who would be bankrolled supposedly by two billionaires, former political bigwigs and known as personalities determined to bring Anwar down.
What is interesting was that when their names were mentioned in the media, these two billionaires did not publicly deny their alleged involvement in the so-called plot. Surely then, people will believe that there is no smoke without fire.
Interestingly, key leaders in the opposition, including Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, had denied rumours of Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs signing statutory declarations to overthrow the federal government.
Ahmad Faizal maintained that the opposition’s main focus, for now, was to win the upcoming elections in six states. Well, it’s up to us to gauge whether the Bersatu politician has reliable information on the matter or that he was just speaking through his nose.
I think that the prime minister did the right thing when he took up the challenge of the purported treachery head-on. Anwar dared his detractors from PN to face him in Parliament at the upcoming sitting and prove their claims of an unstable federal administration.
“We will have the Parliament sitting in the next two weeks, and if they have the numbers, bring it!
“I will face the person who tables the motion, and we will battle in Parliament,” said Anwar at a public event on May 6.
If that was not enough to silence the enemies at the gates, the Unity Government Convention held in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday should dispel any notion that Anwar’s government would collapse anytime soon.
I view the event as a brilliant move by the Anwar administration to ensure that things are in order and that the coalition partners in the unity government understand their shared responsibility to the people and nation.
The positive vibes which exuded throughout the day-long meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre will surely give Anwar and his ministers the confidence they relish to move forward without worrying about how long they would last as a government.
The convention was a political spectacle with shouts of ‘reformasi’, Anwar’s popular war cry, reverberating in the Dewan Mederka.
The message – repeated throughout the day – was clear: To forgive and forget and put an end to decades of political rivalries while presenting a united front for the people.
It was a show for both the public and party members – many of whom were still warming up to the idea of working together with once-entrenched enemies ahead of the six state elections.
When the convention ended in the evening, Anwar left to host a Hari Raya open house in Gombak, Selangor, where a huge crowd awaited to meet their prime minister.
A friend who attended the event related how those present were eager to wait for hours just to shake Anwar’s hand or catch a glimpse of their new-found national hero.
By now, we must surely be assured that the Anwar administration will be able to last a full term until GE16, due in 2027.
Or in the words of Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, “this Madani government will be able to rule even after GE16 if we continue to support Anwar as prime minister”.
My message to the prime minister and his team is: Stay focused on your goals. Don’t let rumours or whispers of treachery distract you from your objectives, and continue to work towards achieving your aims.
Ultimately, the best way to deal with political treachery is to stay true to your values and principles, and act with integrity and transparency at all times.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
