ANWAR Ibrahim must counter any negativity surrounding his parliamentary bid through the Port Dickson by-election and explain his role clearly as a lawmaker in Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s government, said analysts.

Malaysians are wary of the PKR president-elect’s recent statements on various issues and government policies, they said.

For example, Anwar has said he will advise Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik on his appointment as International Islamic University Malaysia president despite a barrage of criticism.

Maszlee was appointed by Dr Mahathir, with the consent of the Pahang sultan.

And in a recent interview with Channel News Asia, Anwar said when he takes over as prime minister, he has the right to reshuffle Dr Mahathir’s cabinet based on ministers’ performance.

“Dr Mahathir was the driving force in Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th general election, but Anwar’s return to politics now may accelerate the reform agenda and drive change in a new Malaysia,” said Ilham Centre acting executive director Mohd Azlan Zainal.

He, however, said it is more important for Anwar to neutralise the negative perception and regain the confidence of some Malaysians.

“Anwar is now seen as a government critic while he himself is part of the government,” Azlan told The Malaysian Insight.

‘Explain your role’

Associate Professor Mohd Faisal S. Hazis of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia questioned Anwar’s role when he returns to Parliament.

“As it is, he is the PKR president, and yet, he will have no position in Parliament.”

Faisal also asked how other PH leaders and MPs would react if Anwar and Dr Mahathir clashed on issues.

“One is the PM and the other, the PM-in-waiting. Anwar will have to explain his role and how he will complement the PM instead of usurping him.”

Penang Institute’s Dr Wong Chin Huat said the Port Dickson by-election will be a mini-referendum on Anwar’s march towards becoming the next prime minister. 

“But his challenge will be showing his statesmanship as the next prime minister without the haste that might make Dr Mahathir look like a lame duck.”

Malaysians already experiencing political fatigue will not be able to stomach a “battle royale”, said Wong. So, Anwar must play the role of a “stabiliser”, not “challenger”.

The political and social analyst also said there must be a clear division of labour between Dr Mahathir and Anwar from now until 2020.

“There is no such thing as a prime minister-in-waiting in the government backbench. He must be seen as being part of Dr Mahathir’s team, rather than a critic of the government.”

Anwar’s defensive responses to his critics so far do not help him, as he needs to win goodwill from Malaysians, not just Port Dickson folk, said Wong.

His return to Parliament via the Port Dickson by-election has been much criticised by the public and civil society.

Former Port Dickson MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah vacated the seat for Anwar, and yesterday, the Election Commission set nomination on September 29 and voting on October 13 for the seat.

Bad timing

“When Anwar first left prison with a royal pardon (in May), he announced that he wanted to take a long rest, and give talks overseas,” said Faisal.

“Everyone expected him to lay low and give Dr Mahathir the freedom to administer the government. But a few weeks after that, he started talking about making his comeback.”

This, said Faisal, raises questions about Anwar’s motive – whether he is going to destabilise the new government, and what role he will play.

The Port Dickson by-election will coincide with the PKR polls, which are shaping up into a heated affair because of vice-president Rafizi Ramli’s challenge to Mohamed Azmin Ali for the deputy presidency.

Rafizi is seen as the mastermind behind the Port Dickson move. The former Pandan MP is campaigning on the mission to make Anwar prime minister.

Faisal said Anwar’s comeback bid and the decision to vacate the Port Dickson parliamentary seat for him lacked transparency.

“Anwar’s comeback, which seat, his role and his wife’s (Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) role are all shrouded in secrecy. Many people, including those in PKR, started talking.

“Even though Anwar said Dr Mahathir had given his consent, the matter was not discussed openly, and many different views were not considered.

“So, Anwar is criticised and seen as impatient, when the plan was to let Dr Mahathir be in charge for two years.”

It is also more important for Anwar to prevent a split in his own party, with members taking either Rafizi or Azmin’s side, than to contest a by-election, said Faisal.

“But that is not the case (for him). Hence, the perception is, he is power crazy.” – September 21, 2018.