Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

THE speech made by Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the recent MIC annual general assembly has set tongues wagging – on social media and elsewhere – among Malaysians, particularly those who are concerned about rule of law, justice and democracy.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said the coalition must gain a “dominant victory” in the snap general election that he managed to help push, so that certain BN leaders, including himself, would be saved from criminal trials.

He reminded BN leaders who were present at the meeting that they are also “on the waiting list” to be charged in court, implying that “selective prosecution” will be committed by Pakatan Harapan if it comes to power again.

Such a statement has sparked shock, condemnation as well as a few theories from observers.

One school of thought has it that the man who is eyeing the prime minister’s post has accidentally spilled the beans; another says that he displayed raw arrogance; while the last perspective reduces it to sheer stupidity.

Whatever the case may be, his statement has serious implications to our political culture, institutional independence and integrity, rule of law, justice and democracy.

For one thing, the Bagan Datuk MP had implicated certain BN leaders in alleged criminal deeds, people who are supposed to lead the country if their coalition were to attain electoral triumph.

Such smudging of the public image of BN’s Who’s Who, even if inadvertent, would necessitate their explanation to the general public in order to clear their name.

Additionally, enforcement agencies, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), may need to launch an investigation into such unsavoury allegations.

It is not enough to claim, as MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran did in his defence of Zahid, that the opposition had misled the people by taking BN leaders’ statements out of context.

Avoiding legal prosecution through political power not only suggests a mockery of the rule of law, but also a dark design to bend the judiciary to the whims and fancies of the party in power.

Such objectionable moves are certainly not what we would expect of a new government.

This is not something we would anticipate from Zahid, who once said that he had faith in the judiciary from day one of his trial, soon after he was acquitted of 40 corruption charges over the foreign visa system (VLN) contract.

Political stability that Umno professes to offer to the electorate after the election would also require an independent judiciary that defends and promotes rule of law, justice and democracy.

Whoever becomes the next government, Umno or otherwise, must not interfere in the affairs of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) as well as the judiciary so as to ensure that there is no selective prosecution and that justice would prevail in the interest of the ordinary Malaysians.

The independence of other state institutions, such as the AGC, the MACC and the police, is also of utmost importance in the electorates’ hope of a post-election Malaysia that would be able to rid itself of corruption. We have seen enough destruction brought about by this scourge.

Sincerity of leaders is generally appreciated by the ordinary rakyat, as it helps to build trust between them.

It also heightens their political integrity and professionalism.

Yet to indicate in broad daylight that gaining political power is the only way to save your own skin and those of your friends, is galling. – October 12, 2022.