Anwar’s PD move makes sense
Our columnist turns from law to politics to make a case for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to contest in the Port Dickson by-election.
IN MY column, I have always aimed at making readers aware of the legal issues involved in different situations in an objective manner. I have not joined a political party since I started working, but today I have decided after much reflection to write on a political matter.
I just cannot understand the fuss over the so-called Port Dickson move.
Generally, getting elected and appointed is an ordinary voluntary process on the part of a person to be elected or appointed, just as in the case of employees and many others. Every day, people resign and are replaced by others, and nobody bats an eyelid.
Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah has given way so that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can contest in the PD parliamentary seat. Danyal is a retired rear admiral and is not a mere puppet.
Before deciding to step down, he would have considered all the factors and circumstances, including the broader interests of the country. To question his wisdom is unfair and a failure to give him due respect.
Legally speaking, there is nothing wrong with the PD move. In fact, there are good reasons for it.
A wide range of views have been expressed. Some are emotional, while others are well thought out.
It is, of course, a party matter and it is not possible for everybody to be consulted. However, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has reportedly reassured party members that “PKR leaders’ views would not be left out” in future.
“It will not happen again after this with a united party front,” he told reporters after a recent gathering with PKR members in Penang.
I must say the National Patriots Association has played an admirable and huge role in the events leading up to the general election in May and in the changes that have taken place since then.
The association and its members have done further service to the country. Their actions and statements have been a source of great inspiration to many others in Malaysia.
It is also to be noted that Danyal was not elected in PD for the sole purpose of being the voice of veterans and service representatives. As MP, he represented all his constituents.
Nevertheless, I am sure the interests of the veterans must and will be looked into through some other ways or channels.
Regarding the PD move, some have cautioned against nepotism. But it is too early to speculate.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail was quoted as saying she saw it as a non-issue that she and daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar would likely be joined by another immediate family member in Parliament.
Anwar, who is the incoming PKR president, has publicly assured his supporters that Dr Wan Azizah will let go of her deputy prime minister’s post once he becomes prime minister.
On the issue of whether Anwar is in a hurry to become the prime minister, he has repeatedly said he is prepared to bide his time although the PD by-election is meant to set in motion his return to parliament and the helm of government.
He maintains that his ties with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad are cordial and will not be affected by his likely victory in PD.
Dr Mahathir has been reported as saying that there is no change in whatever he has agreed to earlier.
Looking at the situation as a whole, it cannot be said that Anwar is acting in unholy haste, which has happened in many cases – even in the judiciary – under the previous administration.
It is also highly significant that the next prime minister comes from a constituency that has a balanced representation of Malaysia’s different races. Instead of depending largely on the votes of one race, Anwar will need the direct support of all the races in order to win convincingly.
As an ordinary citizen, I believe that the PD move is certainly not a disservice to anybody and should be supported.
Also, it is time for Pakatan Harapan, especially the PKR members, to close ranks.