Since the Madani Government Was Established: A Reflection on Targeted Attacks

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SINCE the Madani government was formed on November 24, 2022, several key figures in the cabinet have faced relentless attacks.  

        Much like a game of chess, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the ultimate target. Others, such as Hannah Yeoh and Nga Kor Ming—both from the Democratic Action Party (DAP)—have also come under fire.  

        Similarly, Federal Territories Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa has faced her share of criticism, especially after her decision to eliminate middlemen profiting from high stall rentals in the city centre.  

Saifuddin Under the Spotlight  

        The latest target is Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Just a year ago, he was criticized for proposing amendments to the Federal Constitution and introducing the House Arrest Bill, aimed at reducing prison congestion.  

        Now, the focus has shifted to his son, who is under police investigation for alleged criminal offenses. Although the investigation is still ongoing, critics have already directed their artillery at Saifuddin. 

        In fact, Saifuddin Nasution deserve some word of encouragement at a time when he has to also face a family crisis.   

        But let’s be clear: what relevance does the son’s alleged wrongdoing have to the father’s role as a minister? Each individual is responsible for their own actions.  

        When former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was sentenced to 12 years in jail for embezzling RM41 million from SRC International, should his father, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, have been held accountable? Should his title have been stripped? He is long gone!  

        What about Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad? Should he be blamed for the lifestyle choices of one of his granddaughters living luxuriously overseas? Perhaps, that's why he could not find his billions in his bedroom or under the bed? Laughter. 

        And what if Abdul Hadi Awang, the PAS president, had a great- grandson who committed a crime some time into the future? Would we expect him to be held accountable posthumously? Hop out of the grave and be sentenced to a second death? 

        In 2024, Muhammad Faisal Hamzah was charged with receiving a RM100,000 bribe. The trial is only set for March–April 2025, yet no one has called for his father, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, to resign.  

The RM6 Million Question  

        So, the RM6 million question is: who is orchestrating these attacks on Anwar? Are they also attacking Saifuddin Nasution for the same reasons? 

        The answer is obvious. If we already know the ansewr, why, then, are we so willing to buy into the narrative designed to weaken Anwar's cabinet?  

        In the past, attacks were often reduced to jokes about the “Spanish Fly doctor” or the “Doraemon minister.” Today, however, the attacks are squarely aimed at ministers making meaningful progress in reforms.  

        Take Saifuddin Nasution, for example. He has made significant strides in resolving long-standing issues, including granting citizenship to stateless individuals—a move that benefits people across the country, not just his constituency.  

Give Reforms Time  

        The Madani government needs time to focus on its reform agenda. Meaningful reforms require at least two terms to clean up and another term to fully take off.  

        Consider Penang. It took years to clean up past mismanagement and lay the foundation for its current success. Today, the glitters have returned to the Pearl of the Orient. Penang is recognised as a progressive state admired on the global stage.  

        Let’s extend the same patience and support to the Madani government, allowing it the time it needs to implement meaningful change for the country’s future.