Anwar must ensure he doesn’t talk himself into unpopularity

Anwar’s minders must shape up or ship out

Last night, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s appearance on RTM and Astro Awani’s “Naratif Khas Bersama Perdana Menteri” appeared to backfire. Social media, including Whatsapp groups, scoffed over what Anwar said about secularism, communism, LBGT, and corruption.

Most people who commented about Anwar’s interview tended to make their comments based upon English language news portal headlines, like “We’ll never recognise secularism, communism, LGBT, says Anwar”. Many relied upon these headlines rather than listen to the program, which in Bahasa Malaysia could be argued came across differently (see from 17 minutes).

In the English language portals, it was reported that the concept of a secular state and communism will never be recognized by his unity government.

Anwar’s comments about secularism angered many. They referred to Article 3 of the constitution which states “Islam is the region of the Federation”.

On rejecting communism, some point out that Malaysia is a quasi-centrally planned economy, with five-year plans, and government owned enterprises. Fifteen of the top twenty corporations on the KLSE are GLCs. GLC market capitalisation on the KLSE is over 50 percent of total market capitalisation. Many markets are artificial monopolies. This is the precise direction China’s Premier XI wants the Chinese economy to go.

On corruption, Anwar said the shark (referring to former prime minister Najib Razak) is jailed and there are only a few ikan bilis to catch.

On this issue, chat groups came alive with comments asking about Mahathir Mohamed and his family, and the big sharks of Sarawak. There were references to the acquittal of Shahrir Samid under Anwar’s watch. There seemed to be a consensus that “This showed Anwar's commitment! He is scared to go after the other major corrupt players as his position as PM might be threatened. Even the shark Anwar had no role! Anwar's recent statements are of grave concern!”.

Many see Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the cabinet as deputy prime minister as hypocrisy.

Its all a matter of semantics. What Anwar said during his interview during his first speech as prime minister that the new government would recognize Islam and the position of Bumiputeras according to the constitution was received very well.

What was disappointing is the English media sensationalized a couple of comments, leaving out what Anwar said on the economy, cost of living, poverty, and other issues during his interview. Anwar clearly said, that the government was responsible for poverty eradication of all Malaysians, no matter what race (see 43 minutes).  

Obviously, in the Bahasa Malaysia interview, Anwar was pitching himself at the Malay heartlands. However, media reports upset urban voters. This was a gaff that Anwar’s political secretaries Chan Ming Kai, Shamsul Iskandar, and Ahmad Farhan Fauzi clearly overlooked.

This is their responsibility as Anwar’s minders. There should be well aware their boss can shot himself in the foot during speeches and interviews.

Anwar’s minders have to shape up quickly, or ship out.

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