TODAY is August 31, which marks 67 years of Malaysia’s liberation from colonial powers. In six decades, why did “independence” give way to “national” day? Why the euphemism?

In any case, what has the legacy of a “national” Malaysia been post-salvation? Communal threats, unscrupulous politicians, unbridled corruption and an unreliable justice system?

How different was life then under the bondage of white rajahs and today under the tyranny of unscrupulous politicians?

Malaysia fails to tick the box vis a vis “sovereignty” and growth. Systemic corruption has become a way of life in Malaysia. Will the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which replaces the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023, put an end to palm greasing in Malaysia?

NACS was launched on May 7 and focuses on enhancing the efficacy of graft prevention efforts while improving governance and integrity in public services and government-related companies.

What makes Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim believe NACP will succeed where NACS failed? Or for that matter, why did NACS fail to achieve its objectives?

Anwar’s priorities are muddled. From losing interest in the very lifeline that kept his political stint alive (ie. reformation) to incessant pledges to champion the Palestinian people’s cause, Anwar has left Malaysians back home dismayed with his failure to tackle domestic woes.

Anwar wanted government-linked companies to pledge a RM10 million fund for Palestinians. His unilateral decision to bring in injured Palestinians for treatment has been criticised by many. But  Anwar remains undeterred and has made it clear he will go on supporting them unreservedly.

Anwar’s unconditional support for Palestinians has also left seasoned politician and Umno loyalist Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah worried. He has reminded Anwar to prioritise internal issues instead of making foreign diplomacy his main focus. 

Tengku Razaleigh said Malaysia’s domestic challenges begged attention from Anwar given the challenging times faced by the people and encouraging data on economic growth and strengthening of the ringgit.

“But this alone is not enough. More needs to be done to ensure that the growth is sustainable and benefits all stakeholders in the country, particularly the B40 and M20 groups, who continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.

“He needs to look after his own backyard. We have all kinds of things going on,” Tengku Razaleigh implored in a recent interview.

Indeed. Anwar needs to listen to problems troubling his people. Thus far, he has failed. 

Be it residents and traders in Malacca who find the vehicle-free zone agenda promoted by the state government as harming their quality of life and livelihood or the Hindus whose sentiments continue to be hurt by Islamist fundamentalists, Anwar has refused to assure Malaysians he has their back.

Unlike the Palestinian issue, which has Anwar’s unwavering support, repeated concerns raised by environmental groups of a massive logging project near the protected Upper Baram Forest Area (Ubfa) in northern Sarawak and close to the Penan community settlement in Ba Data Bila have fallen on deaf ears.

Keruan, Save Rivers, Bruno Manser Fonds, and The Borneo Project decried new satellite imagery showing significant road expansion in the area, contradicting recent claims of the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS).

Analysis of the images over the last three months indicated a rapidly developing network of roads near Ba Data Bila, approaching the core protection zone of the Ubfa.

“The community representatives of the Ubfa continue to express concern and confusion about how logging could be allowed in this important conservation zone. We have been asking FDS for accountability and an open conversation, but we have not heard back,” said Save Rivers’ managing director Celine Lim.

What has Anwar to say to this wanton damage of Sarawak’s biodiversity? How has he decided Sarawak is safe ground to host the 2027 Sea Games? 

Have the recent sinkhole incidents in Kuala Lumpur not given Anwar sleepless nights? Is Malaysia even safe, topographically?

For decades, politicians squandered public funds. The government of the day gave no importance to keeping the country’s roads safe, allocating a meagre amount in the annual budget for road maintenance works.

A 2022 study by driver’s education firm Zutobi revealed Malaysia’s roads are the second most deadliest in the world after Saudi Arabia. Did the Malaysian government take this damning news seriously?

The country’s streets are literally unsafe, with people disappearing under sinkholes as happened on August 23 when 48-year-old Vijayalakshmi from India fell into a sinkhole that opened up on a pavement along Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur.

Whilst search and rescue operations are ongoing, except for her slippers, there has been no sign of Vijayalakshmi.

It is not just the streets. Anwar has shown zero interest in tackling animal cruelty in the country. The Department of Veterinary Services in 2021 said there was a 30% rise in the number of reported animal abuse cases in the country. DVS has, since 2021, received 7,613 reports on animal cruelty, with Selangor topping the list followed by Kuala Lumpur.

In spite of having turned its back on people and animals, the government wants Malaysians to show love for nation and flag. Too bad for Anwar that most people have no interest in faking patriotism to gain brownie points from the powers that be.

It is obvious “independence” or “Merdeka” no longer resonates with the people. Communal politics, hankering about Islamophobia, dismissing respect for and rights of minorities, gagging the media and mucked up priorities are costing the government dearly and will continue to hit it below the belt, whether Anwar likes it or not. – August 31, 2024.