Global leader or global tourist? The Prime Minister’s world tours that change nothing
By Ghafar Mohamad
DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s constant travel around the world, claiming to support the Palestinian cause and backing Hamas, raises doubts about the real impact of his actions.
Despite attending high-profile events like the Arab Muslim Summit in Riyadh, APEC Summit in Peru, and the G20 Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; his presence has largely been ignored, with no real support for his views from the global community.
These trips seem more like an attempt to create an image of leadership glory, rather than actually making a difference.
His participation in these events often feels like he’s just filling a seat, without any meaningful influence on the discussions.
For all the attention he gets in the media, he’s seen more as a token figure than a serious player on the world stage.
At home, the Prime Minister is praised by a local media that presents him as a hero, but this image doesn’t match the reality of Malaysia’s struggles.
While he portrays himself as an advocate for Palestine and a global leader, Malaysia is facing serious issues.
The country is burdened with RM1 trillion in debt, struggling with corruption, rising living costs, and stagnant wages.
These issues create a sharp contrast between his international image and the everyday struggles of the people he leads.
His claims to have secured billions in investments during his trips abroad have not turned into any real results, leaving many to question whether these promises are nothing more than empty boasts.
His focus on international matters like Palestine — while important — doesn’t seem to resonate with those who matter most, namely the Arab and Muslim nations.
His diplomatic visits often result in nothing more than polite exchanges with no real commitment to his cause.
The truth is, no major Arab or Muslim country seems to care much about his stance, suggesting that his international role is more about gaining domestic political legitimacy, than building meaningful global alliances.
The Prime Minister’s rhetoric of global leadership and support for Palestine also rings hollow when compared to the challenges Malaysia faces at home.
Instead of focusing on fixing the country’s pressing issues—such as corruption, debt, and economic stagnation—he spends more time trying to project an image of international importance.
His promises of investment during his diplomatic trips have so far failed to produce any real change for the country.
These trips also seem less about benefiting Malaysia and more about boosting his own image abroad.
The gap between the Prime Minister’s self-image as a global leader and the harsh reality of Malaysia’s economic and political troubles is glaring.
His focus on international issues has not translated into solutions for the problems Malaysians face daily.
Instead of addressing the country’s pressing needs, he seems more interested in projecting a heroic image on the global stage.
Until he shifts his attention back to the serious issues at home, his diplomatic travels will remain little more than empty gestures, doing little to help Malaysia’s struggles.
*GHAFAR MOHAMAD – Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Malay Professionals Organisation also known as Pertubuhan Profesional Melayu & Pewaris Bangsa (ProWaris)
Originally published in Bebas News 20th November 2024
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Malaysia is run and has been run by village people. They are in power because the majority are their village people. Village people understand what their villagers are concern with. They speak their language of concern. That's why they are the leader making use of the abundant natural resources of the country and the hard work of others who pay taxes to keep them dancing. Village people have no concept or understanding of what qualifications are for. They think qualifications are for the dogs. After all how much qualifications do you need to run a village. That's why Malaysia is run like a village. The country can afford to throw money away because of its rich natural resources and the type C tax payer. He was given the finance minister post, education and DPM post by anither glorified villager who was afraid he might support PAS. He has his ego swell with all those political blue chips position that vetaran UMNO gang dream of. That's why he insists on being the finance minister. All the village people don't see why a person who graduated in Malay Studies can't run as finance minister in Kampong Malaysia.
If you are any good, it really shows. Look at the contribution of a former United nation Singapore diplomate like Kishore Mahbubani in his speaking and writing? What about PMX? The problem and blunder of a soul like PMX can be seen in light of these three long enduring quotations from wisdom of the ages. PMX does well, if he just consciously makes an effort to appreciate and understand the meaning and significance of these weighty words:-
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. ”
― Alvin Toffler (4 Oct 1928- 27 June 2016)
He who will not reason, is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; and he who dares not is a slave. Sir William Drummond (26 Sept 1769-29 March 1828)
. Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be attained only by someone who is detached. Simone Weil (3 February 1909 - 24 August 1943)
May history judge him kindly after he is gone.