Despite Rumours that effected Politicians, Life Must Go On

If the 1998 contradiction between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be resolved by political means, the country's political situation today would not be in a turmoil. Despite there is no “if” in the political history, but it is undeniable that the current political crisis is the continuation of the power struggle 10 years ago.

Anwar wants to retrieve all he has lost 10 years ago, including refuting the allegations. Thus, he meticulously planned after he was released from prison. From the V.K. Lingam video clip to the current power seizing plan, he is making his steps towards the federal regime.

I can still clearly remember that during the Umno General Assembly in June 1998, Anwar's supporter, the then Umno Youth Chief Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi accused Dr Mahathir of cronyism and nepotism. His remarks aroused the dissatisfactions from the party representatives. Dr Mahathir then issued lists of cronies who had benefited from government share allocations and privatisations to defuse Anwar's attack.

"Political leaders should learn from the past to resolve political problems through political means."
At the same time, copies of a book entitled 50 Reasons Why Anwar Shouldn't Be Prime Minister” were distributed to Umno's Central committee Members. The book accused Anwar to have involved in sexual scandal and treason.

In July, Dr Mahathir appointed former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin to become the Minister with Special Function in the Prime Minister's Department. In August, the then Bank Negara Governor Ahmad Mohamad Don and his Deputy Fong Weng Phak resigned. On 1 Sept, Dr Mahathir announced the implementation of capital control measure. The next day, Dr Mahathir announced that Anwar has been sacked from his positions as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Deputy Finance Minister. And Anwar was arrested under sodomy charges.

If the then power struggle could be resolved through political means to allow Anwar to form or join an opposition party without involving the Attorney General’s Chamber, police force, judiciary and media (just like allowing Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to form a new political party called Semagat 46 during the Umno internal struggle in 1987), it would not be so much of controversies that damaged the government's credibility.

Today, the country has to face another power struggle. Political leaders should learn from the past to resolve political problems through political means.

Based on the past experience, those who prioritise own benefits will first stand alongside the core of the power. Any sign of power reversion will draw some of them to turn and fight against their own parties. Thus, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Anwar have to act fast.

There are several possible changes for the situation. It can be all Umno members unite to fight against Anwar; Najib works together with Dr Mahathir to stop Anwar's comeback; Abdullah consolidates his position in the party by taking advantage of Anwar's attack or Anwar makes a success by gathering the power of all opposing the ruling party.

Regardless what is the outcome, the government should not neglect the people's livelihood issues, particularly the people are now facing a heavy inflationary pressure. The political crisis must be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, the country will have to pay a painful price.