Will he go down the road in ignominy, as someone who was hounded out of the premiership by his own party, who left the key institutions of the country in tatters, who left the country to wolves…?

Or will they be saying here was a man who tried to make good the mess he inherited from his predecessor, and against all odds, succeeded? In these last days, he has the ability to return the country back to the people by meeting with and working alongside DSAI, to usher out the old days of BN’s sinful excesses.

When he first took office, Malaysians saw him as the one who would be dismantling 20-over years of Mahathirism. The task proved beyond him. His own colleagues in UMNO are being unkind when they blame him for BN’s losses in the elections. It is supremely ironic that the person most vociferous in calling for his dethronement, Dr M, is himself the one most to be blamed for the electorate’s abandoning of BN.

There is no denying that AAB allowed some opening up of democratic space after the claustrophobic confines of the Mahathir years. People credit him for Anwar’s early release from an unjust incarceration wrought by a scheming Dr M.

Maybe if he comes to his senses, looks at the larger picture, he will do the right thing for a just and humane Malaysia, and finish what he fleetingly started. Then, in the years to come, his legacy will be this: his own part in the freeing of Malaysia.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

I think it’s more appropriate to say that this is the classic game of Chicken in game theory. They are playing the classic anti-coordination game.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Let us say that Anwar today has the verbal support 1,000 MPs, who has told Anwar to get an emergency parliamentary session, so that they can show support for him.

But during that parliamentary session, no one from the 1,000MPs is going to volunteer raising his/her hand to support Anwar first, lest the other 999 back out the last minute, landing himself/herself in hot soup.

Everyone in the parliament is going to wait for the others to raise their hands before they do so, as this would be in their best interest.

Everyone will think that if there is going to be wave of change, what is the difference if 999 MPs voted or 1,000 MPs voted or what is so wrong to raise your hand to support Anwar after the other 999MPs have done so.

Nothing wrong: if you raise your hands after the 999 MPs have done so, a wave of change still takes place, and you are safe–being the free rider.
If no one raises their hands, you are also safe, as you did not stick out your neck first.

An economic tsunami is blasting this way–one comparable to the 1930s Great Depression.
Due to the horribly low standards of education in this country, you can be assured not many people among the educated would know what was the Great Depression of the 1930s.
And yet they are more concerned with whether Anwar is going to be the next PM.

They in fact should be concerned over the economic future of the country.
They should be concerned whether the listed companies in which they have purchased shares can survived the crisis.
They should be more concerened with how to weather through the economic tsunami coming their way.
They should at least spend time understanding how this crisis came about, the nature of capitalism, and what is the Great Depression of the 1930s.
At least they will learn something from such questioning and know what is hitting them.
Some four months back, a researcher friend of mine in the US already told me that we are heading for a global meltdown with US as the ground zero.
I convey this to my colleagues who scoffed at me for being too negative, citing stable spending power in Asia and emerging markets.

In other words, I think there are better things to be concerned and worried about than over Anwar’s attempt to take over the government.
Only Anwar can tell you for sure whether he can take over as PM-but he is not going to share that with you.

this is the reason why till now no MP has come out to support anwar yet. even though they want to support him or have pledged support for him, they are waiting for others to come out first, as they do not want to be the odd one, sticking out like a sore thumb by the end of the day.

this is the reason why drastic social and political and economic changes in history are often not brought about by idealism…..changes are brought about by politics of economics…when people go out of work and are hungry…bread and butter issues spur changes, not idealism or reformasi—sorry to say.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

My advise to the police is dont take sides and to the senior police officers is to do the right thing as officers of the law viz. if you now choose to play politics I can assure you that you will be putting your jobs on the line.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Forming a new government is not a simple process. What more with a government that has no qualms to sic the ISA on MPs! I for one, although a little antsy (only because I worry for the fate of Anwar and the Mps) am glad Anwar has taken the more ‘scenic’ route to Putrajaya.

What we’re witnessing right now is the most scary game of Chicken Malaysians have ever seen. I doubt Anwar would call for an emergency parliament session if he didn’t have the numbers.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Well, DSAI can’t just go for it precisely because ISA may be invoked. DSAI may have his expectation or belief about how “desperate” AAB is. But he doesn’t know it for sure. He doesn’t know whether AAB will protect his power at all costs, even that means using martial law to rule the country.

But there is no way to ascertain without acting to see what AAB will do. Also, DSAI cannot delay his move because the sodomy trial is coming up.

So where do you start in facing such scenario? You start with the most “cordial” move, i.e., requesting a tea session with AAB. And hope that AAB would chicken out. If that’s refused, then a more formal request, emergency parliamentary meeting. Refused again, now the gloves have to come out. The stakes become higher.

It’s like persuading a person with weapon on his hands to drop the weapon. You always start with soft moves. You don’t draw your weapon until the last minute, even that means you are taking the risks while persuading.

AAB has not backed down, so don’t think “Abdullah chicken” is the correct description. In fact, his chicken act (refusal to meet) is actually a show of bravado. We are seeing an administration that is refusing to give up its power. …

By the way, DSAI has the numbers. No doubt about it. People should put the question to rest. Who are on the list is no longer important IF you accept the fact that he has the numbers.

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0

Complain about this comment

Like or Dislike: 0  0