The Anwar-Najib debate was crafted political sandiwara

The debate was really a PR stunt

In what some pundits considered would be a non-event, the anticipated Anwar-Najib debate was finally held and televised. Two of Malaysia’s heavy weight politicians slugged it out for an hour and a half, showing each other, and the nation they can still be formidable on the hustings.

Najib played the factual politician who listened to Anwar taking notes, while Anwar preferred to play to the crowd in a voice that would be welcomed in any political ceramah.

While what both said is being analysed within the media and whatsapp groups, there were really no surprises or revelations. The Sapura issue seemed to be only an excuse for the confrontation, as the debate moved onto kore general issues very quickly.

Najib, although advocating the return of the GST, took a people-centric approach, differentiating himself from the government during the Covid pandemic. Anwar too spoke about the cause of the marginalized, putting in a people-centric performance as well.

The whole event was skilfully crafted sandiwara, designed to raise the stature of both Anwar and Najib. It was an image building exercise for both of them.

Najib returned to the KL World Trade Centre, the symbolic home of UMNO to a crowd of around 500 supporters chanting ‘Bossku’, making another moot attack on Anwar, as if he has slayed a dragon.

It sort of reminded me of the “Thrilla in Manila” where Mohammad Ali took on Joe Fazier back in October 1975. It was as much as staged battle out of the ring as it was in the ring.

Both have been declared the winners by their own supporters and that is what counted for them.

The Anwar-Najib debate was totally about symbolism, not what was said during the encounter.

Initially, Anwar giving legitimacy to a convicted felon Najib appeared to a very poor move. A move of someone desperate. However, there were other important currents going on that Anwar had in mind.

the PKR elections due in a couple of weeks it was very important for Anwar to put his seal of authority out there. Although nobody is running against Anwar for the position of president, the stature of Anwar may sway how people vote for other positions.

In addition, giving face to Najib and providing him such a platform went a long way in exposing the current division within UMNO. While prime minister Ismail Sabri is at an ASEAN summit in Washington hosted by the US president Joe Biden, Najib was on centre stage back in Kuala Lumpur, grabbing the headlines.

The night of the debate symbolized who is the real leader of UMNO. With Najib facing court again, there is growing sentiment that he may get off the conviction on some technicalities. If that is the case, then all will be clear for Najib to run as a candidate in the coming general election and re-establish his power. Together with Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Najib has great influence in selecting his preferred set of candidates who will be loyal to him. Ismail Sabri has very little say within UMNO internal affairs.

However, Ismail Sabri has the power to call the election will no-doubt delay it until the last possible moment. Once he calls the election, the cabinet who is generally loyal to him will be dissolved, leaving him as a minority within UMNO.

Saying that Ismail Sabri is UMNO’s candidate for prime minister this far out is no guarantee that he will actually be prime minister after the election.

Last night’s debate has rekindled Anwar’s position as leader of Pakatan Harapan. Watching him, we know he will run a strong personal campaign on the hustings. Najib is also in a similar position. If he achieves a dismissal of the charges against him, the whole court case will be painted as political vendetta against him, being a hero in his supporters’ eyes for beating the system.

There are manoeuvrings between Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu. An enemy of my enemy is a friend. Last night showed us that GE15 will be about a battle between Anwar and Najib. Yest in true Malay sense, last night was the result of a pact for mutual benefit by raising each other’s profile. The debate assists Najib dispose of Ismail Sabri in the future, while assisting Anwar’s image as the Pakatan leader at a time he needs it.

From Pakatan’s side, making it about Najib has some strategic sense. With a united opposition coming from unexpected quarters, namely Bersatu, and Anwar rising to the task of slaying Najib, there is a chance. Make Najib symbolic with all that is wrong with UMNO and attack him.

However, Najib if he can escape his conviction, will be a strong adversary for Anwar. This is just one of the scenarios that could be played out.

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