I AM DEEPLY concerned about the current state of our country. If the present trajectory persists, it is not only Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who may be toppled, but the nation could also descend into chaos. Fortunately, the Special Branch (SB) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are on high alert.
Political Opposition and Legal Challenges
Anwar's administration has encountered resistance from various political factions. Notably, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been under investigation following a Royal Commission of Inquiry's recommendation for a criminal probe related to a 2018 decision on disputed islets with Singapore. Mahathir has denied allegations of treachery, labeling the investigation as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Additionally, the judiciary has maintained pressure on former officials implicated in corruption scandals. In a recent ruling, Malaysia's High Court ordered former Prime Minister Najib Razak to stand trial on 25 new charges linked to the 1MDB scandal, potentially extending his current 12-year sentence by up to 20 years.
Any unrest, even triggered by the slightest provocation from paid agents, could spiral out of control. Homes—including yours and mine—could be set ablaze. The ultimate aim of these hidden forces is to pressure Anwar into stepping down. Many might believe that sacrificing one individual is preferable to the continued suffering of the masses.
State of the State: Country in a State of Transition
However, under previous administrations, we know that corruption reached unprecedented levels. For these same people to return to power, it could mean a return to the old era, where big scandals involved the people in the highest hierarchy, and no one, both the big fish and the small fries, are caught.
At the very least, we now see syndicates at the untouchable government agencies are being dismantled, with the culprits being charged in court. There are frequent crackdowns on corruption cases, smuggling activities, human and drug trafficking.
Groups such as the deviant Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) were allowed to operate unchecked in the past. Following recent raids, it was revealed that this conglomerate, founded in 1997 by followers of Ashaari Muhammad, was reportedly involved in child abuse scandals, with business operations spanning 20 countries and assets valued at RM325 million.
To accuse Malaysia's Anwar of adopting an extreme form of Islam is akin to blaming Mufasa for killing Simba, when in reality, the hidden paw of Scar, Simba's uncle, was the true culprit. For the next 50 years, Malaysia could fall into the hands of such malevolent figures—until a rightful leader emerges, ready to combat evil and restore the nation's peace. It could be worse for the next generation of Malaysians if the country becomes another Taliban nation.
While all artillery—both big and small—is aimed at Anwar, I sometimes empathise with him and his family. They have been subjected to ridicule, false allegations, persecution, two jail terms, and even physical abuse by a top police officer. No one has endured as much as Anwar and his family, to the point that Reuters, in its article, headlined "Anwar Ibrahim's hard-to-believe journey from prisoner to new Malaysian prime minister." It has to be a miracle!
To claim that this is not the Malaysia Anwar is striving to reform is to remain complacent and believe that Malaysia will become a first-world nation by 2020. Such was the vision of a former prime minister, but it was thwarted by massive corruption and embezzlement, which have ballooned our national debt to nearly RM1.5 trillion.
Much of this debt was accumulated before 2022, coinciding with the 1MDB scandal. We are now beginning to pay the accrued interest. According to a lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), it was alleged that at least US$3.5 billion was misappropriated from Malaysia's 1MDB state-owned fund. (The Guardian. 28 July 2016)
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Malaysia's National Government Debt decreased from USD 300.7 billion in Q3 to USD 279.1 billion in December 2024, a reduction of USD 21.6 billion. Assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD to 4.5 MYR, this equates to a decline from approximately RM1.353 trillion to RM1.255 trillion, a difference of about RM97.2 billion.
Estimates indicate that Malaysia has lost approximately RM4.5 trillion due to corruption and financial leakages over a 26-year period. This timeframe encompasses events from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's dismissal and subsequent imprisonment to his return as the nation's tenth prime minister.
Be Vigilant!
As Malaysians, we must remain vigilant. Social media platforms are increasingly flooded with various forms of "venom" and "garbage," often targeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the figurehead of the Reformasi movement for the past 25 years.
Notably, well-crafted articles, similar to those written by editors and journalists, are circulating to cast blame on Anwar. News of the launch of Jalan Palestine was blamed on Anwar although it was carried out during Muhyiddin Yasin's era. The release of stamps to raise funds for Palestine which had begun during Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's era suddenly became a big issue in Malaysia. Wasn't it Dr. Mahathir himself who, during his second term as Prime Minister, declared himself to be 100% supportive of Hamas?
Reflecting on these events underscores the importance of patriotism in fostering national unity. It was this shared dedication and collaboration among Malaya's diverse communities that laid the foundation for the nation's strength and cohesion. In a most recent post which I received, the government's initiative to have students wear Jalur Gemilang badges to foster patriotism has drawn criticism directed at Anwar. He defended the policy, stating that it was implemented after studying similar practices in other countries and should not be turned into a polemic.
Sometimes, I wonder whether it is even necessary to compare Free Education offered by the Sarawak government and the two badges for every child -- an initiative that is probably birthed out of concern that the young people today are not that concerned about the welfare of the country they are living in. What future do we have if our young people do not have something that holds them together as a nation in the future? Or, when the young people have been caught torching some public facilities provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
The pre-Merdeka era in Malaya was marked by a profound sense of patriotism, with individuals from diverse backgrounds uniting in the pursuit of independence. This collective spirit was exemplified by the actions of figures like Datuk Siti Rahmah Kassim. In 1957, during an emergency UMNO meeting in Malacca, Tunku Abdul Rahman expressed the party's financial constraints in funding a delegation to London for independence negotiations. Moved by his plea, Siti Rahmah donated her cherished gold bangle, inspiring others to contribute their valuables to the cause.
The unity displayed during this period was instrumental in achieving Malaya's sovereignty. On 31 August 1957, at the newly constructed Merdeka Stadium, Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed the nation's independence, leading the crowd in seven resounding chants of "Merdeka."
Reflecting on the political upheavals that led to the resignations of Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, it's evident that national unity and patriotism are crucial for our country's stability. Initiatives like distributing badges to students aim to instill national pride, especially in rural areas.
As Abraham Lincoln once said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." This reminds us that unity is essential for our nation's strength and progress. With this, I end with the words of America's 16th President:
Let us resolve to stop spreading the fake news, rumours, venom and garbage being circulated on Social media. Instead, let us provide good suggestions that can be adopted by some of our ministers who are open to ideas.
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