A Team At Crossroads Over Reliance On Anwar

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The effectiveness of any government hinges upon the competence and accountability of its ministers. In the case of Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, these two qualities appear to be lacking.
While the prime minister has repeatedly been thrust into the spotlight to address issues that should have been handled by his ministers, quite a number of his cabinet members remain silent, raising concerns about their commitment to their roles.
Anwar’s cabinet seems overly dependent on his leadership, allowing him to bear the brunt of public scrutiny. Cabinet members might exhibit a reluctance to maintain a visible presence, potentially due to concerns over public backlash.
However, as elected representatives and architects of policy, it is imperative that they recognise public backlash as a significant form of feedback, providing critical insights into public sentiment and highlighting areas that warrant improvement.
ADSIt is imperative for ministers and deputy ministers to adopt a proactive approach in their engagement with both the media and the public.
The tendency to adopt an overly “exclusive” stance in high-responsibility roles has significantly fuelled this over-reliance, particularly given Anwar’s consistent approachability and willingness to engage with press enquiries.
This creates an unhealthy dependency on the prime minister and undermines the role of the ministers, who should be the primary point of contact for their respective portfolios.
Ensuring clear and consistent ministerial communication is key to upholding public confidence in governance.
Silence, inaction among PKR leaders
A similar issue plagues the internal dynamics of PKR. Many leaders within PKR, especially those elected by grassroots supporters three years ago, have remained conspicuously silent.
This silence is particularly noticeable in the context of PKR’s partnership with Umno in the unity government.
It is understandable that some PKR leaders may be hesitant to voice their support for the coalition. However, their reluctance to engage in public discourse has raised questions about their commitment to the reform agenda that PKR has long championed.
The silence of PKR leaders could be attributed to political appointments that some have received, making them more focused on maintaining their positions than actively contributing to governance.
Others seem content to maintain visibility only for optics, rather than engaging in substantive work.
The burden of communicating government policies, explaining decisions, and engaging with the public has largely fallen on Anwar’s shoulders. This dynamic is unsustainable and risks eroding public confidence in the government.
The need for greater engagement
ADSIt is important to note that not all PKR leaders have remained silent.
Some have actively participated in governance and public engagement. However, the significant portion of the party’s leadership that appears disengaged is problematic.
The unity government’s initial phase was marked by optimism and high expectations for meaningful reform. However, as the so-called honeymoon period comes to an end and the next general election just two years away, there is an urgent need for PKR leaders to step up.
The public’s expectations remain high. They seek leaders who are willing to engage, explain policies, and address concerns transparently. Staying silent is not a viable strategy, especially in a political climate where public sentiment can shift rapidly.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim taking a picture of the cabinet in January 2024However, it is also important to recognise that silence can be justified when it is necessary, and speaking up should always carry substance. Leaders must avoid becoming empty vessels, making irrelevant or unconstructive statements that detract from meaningful discourse.
If PKR leaders continue to remain disengaged, they risk being perceived as opportunistic, re-emerging only during election season to seek power under the guise of serving the people.
Need for firm moderation, visible reforms
As Umno continues to drift towards far-right politics, PKR must steadfastly uphold its commitment to moderation.
The far-right agenda is antithetical to PKR’s core values, especially considering that its voter base predominantly comprises urban and suburban constituents.
PKR must remain true to its identity and principles, avoiding the temptation to mimic its new ally, Umno, under the unity government.
Becoming a political chameleon risks alienating its base and undermining its credibility. PKR’s leadership must prioritise the long-term interests of its voters over transient political convenience.
Furthermore, Umon’s apparent prioritisation of self-serving agendas, such as seeking clemency for convicted high-profile figures, poses a challenge to the integrity of the unity government.
Pakatan Harapan, as the largest coalition within the government, must seize this moment to prove its dedication to the reform agenda.
Reform was a cornerstone of Harapan’s electoral mandate, and now is the time to translate ideals into action. Visible, meaningful reforms will not only restore public confidence but also counter the growing perception of betrayal among its supporters.
Harapan must demonstrate that its governance is not synonymous with past practices but is instead a departure toward transparency, accountability, and justice.
Voters need to see that their choices have yielded progress, not a regression into authoritarianism or opportunism. Without visible reforms, the coalition risks being perceived as another iteration of the status quo, squandering the mandate given by the people.
A call for accountability
Anwar’s government cannot afford complacency. The prime minister must take decisive action to ensure that his cabinet members and party leaders actively participate in governance.
Ministers must be held accountable for their portfolios, and PKR leaders must be more visible and vocal in engaging with the public.
The future of the unity government depends on its ability to deliver on its promises of reform and good governance. Without greater accountability and engagement from its leaders, the government risks losing the trust of the electorate.
As the next general election approaches, it is imperative that both the cabinet and the PKR line-up demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the nation rather than merely seeking political survival. - Mkini
ZAREEN SEJAHAN is a former journalist with experience covering both general and political news. She holds a Master’s degree in Media Communications & International Journalism from the University of Glasgow. 
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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