Why Dr M Was Right About Anwar


 


 In the fog of Malaysian politics, few alliances have been as dramatic and fraught as that between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim.
Once mentor and protégé, turned bitter enemies, then uneasy allies but their dynamic has profoundly shaped Malaysia’s political landscape over the past few decades.
Since 1998, I have been a supporter of Anwar even when it was risky to do so. I believed in his cause and his message of reform and justice.
At a time when speaking up for Anwar could attract unwanted attention, I persisted because I was convinced, he was the change Malaysia needed.
ADSHowever, in recent years, particularly since late 2022, my perception has shifted dramatically. I have witnessed Anwar's leadership firsthand, and it has been both disappointing and disheartening.
The reformist image that once inspired millions now appears hollow, muddled by political compromises, indecisiveness, and a lack of real transformation.
For the first time, I truly understand why Mahathir was so reluctant to appoint Anwar as his successor - not once, but twice.
While I continue to disagree with many of Mahathir's policies and authoritarian tendencies, I now appreciate the reasoning behind his hesitation. What once seemed like political sabotage now looks more like calculated pragmatism.
Asian Financial Crisis
The first major rift between Mahathir and Anwar emerged during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 - 1998. Anwar, then deputy prime minister, advocated for austerity measures and the involvement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mahathir vehemently opposed both, opting instead for capital controls and homegrown economic remedies.
Their conflicting visions culminated in Anwar's dismissal, followed by his arrest and a highly publicised trial that drew international condemnation.
At the time, I viewed Mahathir's actions as the ruthless suppression of a genuine reformer.
Today, I see a more complex picture. The clash was not just personal or ideological; it was a fundamental disagreement on how best to navigate the crisis. Mahathir saw Anwar as inexperienced and politically impatient, a risk to stability at a critical juncture.
The 2018 reconciliation
Their reconciliation in 2018 ahead of the 14th general election shocked many. Pakatan Harapan's victory over BN was historic, and Mahathir once again became prime minister under a promise that he would eventually hand over the reins to Anwar.
ADSYet, Mahathir never set a firm date. Some called this betrayal. But in hindsight, it was caution. The Harapan coalition was fragile, and Mahathir likely feared that a premature transition to Anwar would fracture it.
Indeed, it collapsed in 2020, and the Sheraton Move plunged Malaysia into another political crisis.
Viewed through this lens, Mahathir’s delay wasn't petty but strategic. He knew Anwar's support in Parliament was weak and inconsistent. He feared that handing over power would trigger chaos. Sadly, his fears were not unfounded.
Anwar’s era
Fast forward to Anwar’s long-awaited premiership in late 2022. The expectations were enormous. Malaysians who had long hoped for a reformist government believed their time had come.
Yet, the early months of his leadership quickly eroded that hope.
From controversial decisions such as the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to the apparent stagnation in anti-corruption efforts - it became increasingly clear that Anwar's governance was built more on political survival than reform.
These compromises, though arguably necessary to maintain his fragile coalition, shattered Anwar’s image as a principled reformer. Many of us who championed his cause for over two decades felt a profound sense of betrayal.
Economic mismanagement has only compounded this disillusionment. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and ordinary Malaysians are feeling the strain.
Despite months of promises, the government’s much-anticipated relief initiatives remain delayed.
As of July 2025, there is still no comprehensive policy in place to ease inflationary pressures or address wage stagnation. Anwar’s administration appears caught between trying to appease various coalition partners and delivering meaningful economic solutions.
The resulting indecision has bred frustration, not just among the elite or political commentators, but among everyday citizens who once believed he would be different.
In retrospect, Mahathir’s reluctance now appears grounded in experience. He had worked closely with Anwar. He had seen his temperament, political instincts, and judgement up close.
While Mahathir’s critics, including me, once labelled him as paranoid or jealous, I now suspect he was simply being pragmatic.
Leadership is not just about charisma or eloquence; it's about governing effectively, building consensus, and making hard decisions in the nation’s interest.
Anwar may have had the heart, but increasingly, it appears he lacks the machinery and willpower to bring about real reform.
This doesn’t mean Mahathir’s own record is spotless. Far from it. His time in power saw the centralisation of authority, weakening of democratic institutions, and the imprisonment of dissenters.
Yet, in this specific matter, the question of Anwar’s readiness for leadership, he might have been right. His hesitation was not purely personal; it was based on political and institutional calculation.
And with each passing month under Anwar's premiership, that calculation appears more and more prescient.
Expect political repercussions
The political ramifications of this could be severe. As the 16th general election approaches, dissatisfaction with the current administration is likely to grow. Anwar’s coalition may get punished by voters who feel betrayed and disillusioned.
Malaysians are a forgiving people but they are not infinitely patient. If the promised reforms fail to materialise and if the cost of living continues to rise, it won’t just be Anwar who pays the price, but the broader reformist movement itself.
Looking back on my own journey, from an idealistic supporter to sceptical observer, I now realise that politics is often less about ideals and more about execution.
I once believed that Anwar was Malaysia’s best hope. Perhaps, he still can be, but hope alone cannot lead a country. Action, courage, and competence must follow.
And if these remain absent, then Mahathir’s decision to withhold power from Anwar will not only be justified but also vindicated. - Mkini
R PANEIR SELVAM is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2025/07/why-dr-m-was-right-about-anwar.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
Anwar Denies Last Minute Switch In Cj Pick Says Vilified For One Week Just Because Process Was Still Ongoing

Anwar Denies Last Minute Switch In Cj Pick Says Vilified For One Week Just Because Process Was Still Ongoing

papar berkaitan - pada 21/7/2025 - jumlah : 142 hits
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised those who attempted to politicise the judicial appointments issue Bernama picPUTRAJAYA July 21 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly denied claims of a last minute chan...
I Was Not Invited Anwar Says He Won T Join Kl Protest Urging Him To Quit

I Was Not Invited Anwar Says He Won T Join Kl Protest Urging Him To Quit

papar berkaitan - pada 26/7/2025 - jumlah : 176 hits
I was not invited Anwar says he won t join KL protest urging him to quit PUTRAJAYA July 26 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly said he will not be attending the Turun Anwar protest in Kuala Lumpur today According to The S...
Anwar Backs Malaysian Bar S Right To March For Judicial Independence But Urges Respect For Constitution

Anwar Backs Malaysian Bar S Right To March For Judicial Independence But Urges Respect For Constitution

papar berkaitan - pada 12/7/2025 - jumlah : 169 hits
Anwar backs Malaysian Bar s right to march for judicial independence but urges respect for constitution KUALA LUMPUR July 11 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there was no issue with the Malaysian Bar planning a march for judicia...
About 25k Throng Dataran For Turun Anwar Rally

About 25k Throng Dataran For Turun Anwar Rally

papar berkaitan - pada 27/7/2025 - jumlah : 281 hits
The Himpunan Turun Anwar rally organised by the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition was attended by about 25 000 people as estimated by the Malaysiakini team Thousands of protesters started gathering at four locations around noon before...
What Turun Anwar Really Reveals About Malaysia S Crisis

What Turun Anwar Really Reveals About Malaysia S Crisis

papar berkaitan - pada 30/7/2025 - jumlah : 119 hits
The Turun Anwar protest brought together thousands of ordinary Malaysians students workers retirees united not by ideology but by frustration For them the act of showing up on the streets was driven less by partisan politics and more by emp...
Madani Gov T Trolled For Using Ksn To Ban Civil Servants From Joining Turun Anwar Rally

Madani Gov T Trolled For Using Ksn To Ban Civil Servants From Joining Turun Anwar Rally

papar berkaitan - pada 21/7/2025 - jumlah : 152 hits
DETRACTORS have questioned the rationale behind the call for civil servants to stay away from this Saturday s PAS inspired This is because civil servants must adhere to the pledge enshrined in the Rukun Negara particularly by upholding the ...
Pengumuman Terkini Pmx Hadiah Anwar Ibrahim Untuk Rakyat

Pengumuman Terkini Pmx Hadiah Anwar Ibrahim Untuk Rakyat

papar berkaitan - pada 21/7/2025 - jumlah : 318 hits
Menerusi satu hantaran di akaun media sosial Facebook Perdana Menteri memberi bayangan satu pengumuman penting dijangka akan dibuat sebagai hadiah yang bakal diberikan kepada rakyat Malaysia Dalam hantaran ringkas itu Anwar turut menyatakan...
Amanah Veep Pas Obsessed With Toppling Anwar As Kelantan Spirals

Amanah Veep Pas Obsessed With Toppling Anwar As Kelantan Spirals

papar berkaitan - pada 21/7/2025 - jumlah : 164 hits
Amanah vice president Mahfuz Omar has accused PAS of prioritising efforts to unseat Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over addressing pressing issues in Kelantan including drug abuse smuggling and rising social problems ADSThe former PAS leader ...
Selebriti Muda Jadi Isteri Keempat Vvip

Cinta Tak Mengenal Usia Datuk Kahwin Nenek Video

Serving Hope Supporting The Spastic Children S Association With Every Pickleball Bag

Apa Yang Merosakkan Fungsi Tiroid Tanpa Kita Sedar

Kes Zara Qairina Polis Mcmc Tunggu Maklumat Tiktok Fahmi

Road Tested Marrakesh Jacket And Outrider Pants From Klim

Solve Your Conflict Between Yourselves Takiyuddin Tells Umno And Dap

Makan Petang Di Club House Coffee


echo '';
Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Dendam Seorang Madu Slot Tiara Astro Prima

10 Fakta Biodata Amira Othman Yang Digosip Dengan Fattah Amin Penyanyi Lagu Bila Nak Kahwin

5 Tips Macam Mana Nak Ajak Orang Kita Suka Dating Dengan Kita

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Keluarga Itu Slot Lestary TV3

Bolehkah Manusia Transgender Mencapai Klimaks Selepas Bertukar


Hiso8888 17 August Hiso8888 Top 58 By Evie

5 Theme Parks In Malaysia For Adventure Lovers

Siapa Calon Pm Pembangkang

Rasmi Skuter Ev Gaya Retro Yadea Rs20 Mendarat Rm4 998

Little Pepe Menjadi Pilihan Kegemaran Bull Run Baru Pada 2025 Ketika Ripple Kes Bull Cardano Melemah Bitcoin Com News

Pelajar Kolej Ditemukan Mati Di Rumah Keluarga Disyaki Dibunuh