PMX and the mid-term danger of becoming an ex-PM

Focus Malaysia

a day ago

I WAS in a restaurant witnessing the televised oath-taking ceremony of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, later fondly called PMX, on Nov 24, 2022.
The moment he took the oath of office everybody in the restaurant regardless of race became euphoric, and people celebrated by hugging one another in happiness to see this auspicious moment culminating after decades of trials and tribulations.
Indians were particularly overjoyed as they saw him as a leader who understood their need for equal treatment through affirmative action policies and other Indian-centric initiatives.
However, within a few months people became disillusioned with Anwar when his government stalled over the much anticipated reform and affirmative programmes. It was shocking to see Anwar's descent to unpopularity so soon.
Very few of the promised reforms have seen the light of day. Anwar started justifying the status quo and began behaving like previous leaders.
To the consternation of his multi-racial supporters he began focusing more on Islamic issues and Palestine. Although these issues are important for him he could have also in tandem started his reforms as he has a parliamentary majority.
Most if not all the reforms needed only a simple majority to become law but he has been lukewarm or procrastinating leading to plenty of criticism from the people.
The biggest test he now faces is the total loss of confidence by the Indian community and it is going to reflect very badly in the next general elections especially in the multi-racial seats mainly in the west coast states.
Anwar's descent and loss of popularity began soon after he became prime minister and I have listed some of the issues which he could have handled more wisely, diplomatically and effectively and not allowing them to snowball to risky levels.
When an Indian student in a meeting brought up the issue of the unfairness in the intake of university students he brushed her off by bumbling about the social contract and other justifications.
The country's education system continues to be discriminatory and lopsided. To date there are no affirmative action policies by the government for the B40 except the cash and other hand-outs.
Anwar also referred to the Kuala Lumpur Masjid India temple as haram when he could have settled the issue more amicably. Most Indians were unhappy that the PM, for whom they rallied for so much earlier, had offended them on the temple issue.
Furthermore, he has not increased any major allocations or special programmes for the poorer section of the Indian and other communities.
The cost of living has risen and burdened the people as the government has not been able to control price increases, citing wars in the Ukraine and Middle East as excuses.
His foreign trips in to enhance the image of the country and draw investments has not had the desired effect as investments have hardly trickled in to prop up the national economy.
The government's strict control of public assemblies restricted the much needed freedom to voice their concerns and opposition to important issues and luckily the Federal Court recently decided against some of the unfair restrictions.
Not doing enough about the Teoh Beng Hock case and the recent Pamela Ling disappearance has also tarnished his image.
Similarly, he acted too late in the Yusuf Rawther case when he could have settled the case amicably a long time back and now when it threatens his PM position he applies for immunity for himself.
There was also dissatisfaction over how former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak's royal addendum issue was handled. Wise handling of this issue could have helped him win crucial Malay support.
These are some of the issues that have fuelled opposition to PMX leading to the 'Turun Anwar' rally on July 26, and Anwar should realise the negative impact the demonstrations can bring about in Malaysia.
Recall that it was the Bersih rallies and the Hindraf protest that brought down Barisan Nasional (BN) in five states in 2008 and 10 years later led to BN losing control of the federal government.
As if all these domestic troubles are not enough, as Asean Chair Anwar has to mediate between Cambodia and Thailand where the border clashes are in full swing and endangering the unity of the association.
It is still not too late for Anwar as he has more than two years to make amends as well as initiate the much anticipated reforms and socio-economic policies that could become a hallmark of his premiership, and justify the happiness and joy that greeted him when he became PMX. ‒ July 29, 2025
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Bernama