11-21-2023, 10:13 AM
IN THREE days’ time (Nov 24), Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister (PMX) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will clock his first anniversary or 20% of his term in office (assuming that there is no repeat of any untoward conspiracy to overthrow the government of the day).
With all the political and socio-economic challenges faced by the unity government in recent times, the key question now is whether it is justified for Malaysians – whether they voted for him or otherwise – to demand the fruits of reforms from him within the short spell of 365 days.
At a glance, given the depth of the rot that Malaysia has endured over the span of 66 years since Merdeka, the task is humongous. It took Indonesia 25 years after the collapse of President Suharto’s government before they see the country moving ahead.
Such is the length of time that Anwar has waited to become Malaysia’s PM. Do we dare to therefore expect anyone – be it Anwar or any other PM – to deliver the outcome within just one year? Dream on!
Sure, the initial excitement is over, and people have come to grip with reality. It is not surprising that people start to doubt if Anwar can deliver his reforms, especially given the narrative of the propagated propelled by his enemies. Politics is after all a game of perception and psychological warfare.
A recent HarakahDaily article highlighted that PAS will be producing a report card for the Madani government. Most Malaysians would not give credence to PAS’ own report card but to the Islamist party’s leadership, this is an essential tool to keep its supporters in the PAS fold.
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