Ensure reformation recipe palatable to all


MALAYSIA, having been soulless of leadership, has now had its spirit reinstated – seeing an end to the recent political gridlock with the rise of a most unlikely figure in the nation’s top office.

The 10th prime minister, being Anwar Ibrahim, has always been regarded as a tendentious figure in the Malaysian political arena.

His appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on November 24 has similarly divided public opinion as it invites both excoriating criticism and high praise, exacerbating the political polarisation between Malaysians, as evidenced by the outcome of the 15th general election.

Anwar has historically been associated with his notable call for reformation. What, if anything, should this amount to?

How does a recipe for reformation inadvertently avoid ending in gross distaste from the people?

Anwar’s meteoric rise to power should not be an open invitation by some to harangue the opposing crowd – amounting to the tactics employed by irresponsible football hooligans deriding a competing team.

The stakes are high and Malaysia’s future remains uncertain.

It ought to be the hope of all Malaysians that the unity government lead by Anwar functionally operates as the adhesive that binds the communities together indiscriminately, bringing about social cohesion.

Leading the Malaysian cavalry would be a fruitless, meaningless endeavour if the external threat it is intending to battle against ends in a bloodthirsty war among fellow brothers and sisters as a house divided against itself cannot stand.

What purpose is there of a unity government if it only leads to disunity among the people?

This is just but one of the many hurdles that await the prime minister.

Malaysia’s stability precariously balances on the edge of a precipice.

There are other imminent threats that continue to wound the nation – economic degradation, natural disaster – hence, Anwar must be able to muster every ounce of political strength available at his disposal to countenance the threat so that the nation’s afflictions may be alleviated.

There exist pestilential threats to this given the historical tensions between the constituent parties that exist within the coalition.

Thus, such tensions must be quieted – a truce must be formed – lest the bouts of shouting between the parties drown out the cries of the people.

Delays in developing a sufficient resolve to these issues dangerously exacerbate this very wound, allowing for exsanguination of Malaysia’s injured frame – resulting in damage that is near irrevocable – and asphyxiate the fragile throats of vulnerable Malaysians.

The prime minister ought to, with a sense of immediacy, address these issues by delineating the financial parameters the nation is bound by to sensibly accommodate the needs of the nation without worsening the economic strain.

A subsequent course of action would be to ensure that the resolves are sustainable in the long term and does not incur a deficit in the nation’s gain-loss calculus, which fortifies the country from further depreciation.

Anwar must also consider the reverberating effects of the political vacuum that has plagued the country for years.

The void that has sat at the very heart of Malaysian politics has been bandaged, via different prime ministers, a great many times only for it to be stripped off at times of crisis, exposing Malaysia’s vulnerabilities to the harshest of elements.

Anwar must ensure that his administration carry out the five-year mandate, navigating through infighting, in order that stable Malaysian governance is facilitated.

He ought to also consider the long-term culture he wishes to allow to brew in the nation – one of continued leniency towards corruption or of absolute intolerance towards it.

Anwar is an absolutely charismatic figure and harbours great enthusiasm – persisting through all sorts of trials and tribulations to govern Malaysia.

He is indeed a leader who is reflective of Malaysian values – being unrelentingly persistent during the most of difficult of times.

It is my hope that he is able to bring reforms to this country by catering to the needs of the people, ensuring that his recipe for reformation is palatable to all. – December 2, 2022.

* Pravin Periasamy reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


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