Pledges of support for Anwar: Double-edged sword? 

THOUGH it may seem that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is solidifying his support base following the move by four MPs from Bersatu, politicians from within Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) remain cautious.

A veteran politician from a PH component party said the entire fiasco could either be a political ploy orchestrated by the “maestros” or could well spell the end of Bersatu.

Familiar with the manoeuvrings of political masterminds like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the politician warned that these pledges of support could just be a Trojan horse.

“Old-timers like me have learnt to never take anything for granted in politics. 

“At one time, BN was absolutely invincible...nobody would have ever thought BN would fall one day.

“That is why veterans like me would like to caution Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to take things for granted. 

“Within the corridors of power, there could be a greater scheme, which could one day catch us off-guard,” said the politician.

He said though things may look smooth on the surface, one should never forget that the “greatest enemy is the enemy from within”.

“For many of us, the relationship between PH and BN is simply ‘too good to be true’ and a number of us are not taking things for granted.

“Though it is almost a year now, we find the relationship has yet to settle down and has not reached a level where we can sleep easily at night,” he said.

Be wary of electorate

Another politician who is not part of the unity government pointed out that Malaysians are quick and easy to forgive and forget.

“The electorate is not like in the past, where BN could be assured of solid vote banks from certain constituencies. 

“The dawn of social media has opened the eyes of many and today, voters are smart and result-oriented.

“In the past, the electorate was afraid of change, but today, they are no longer afraid. 

“What I am trying to say is though Anwar may feel comfortable with the pledges of support, things can change overnight.

“The people need to be satisfied and convinced that their needs are met. 

“Otherwise, regardless of which politician supports you, the electorate will not hesitate to boot you out,” he said.

He said it is time for Anwar to start delivering on his electoral promises and not constantly focus on strengthening his support base.

No friends in politics

“There are no friends in politics. Someone can support you today and throw you under the bus tomorrow. 

“The only way to ensure survival is to keep those who put you in power happy,” he said.

Talk is now rife that more MPs and even state assemblymen from Bersatu will pledge support for Anwar in the near future.

However, as explained by former law minister Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, despite recent moves by the four Bersatu MPs, the number of MPs backing Anwar in the Dewan Rakyat theoretically remains at 147.

This is because the four MPs merely stated their support for the government and not a declaration that they were leaving the party, nor were they expelled from the party.

A female politician echoed sentiments that it is time for Anwar to “get down to work” and focus on the needs of the people who are currently facing an uphill economic battle.

“For voters, it is all about putting food on the table. 

“There is a time for politics and it is over now. 

“For them (voters), they want greater assurances on their future in terms of employment, education and the economy.

“It is time for our PM to take a serious look at what his administration has achieved in the last year. 

“Throw out the dead wood from the cabinet and replace them with more capable leaders.

“If you are pressed for choice and there are no capable, elected leaders, then appoint credible senators who can perform.

“The people are watching and they are getting desperate. 

“Pushed to a corner, they will not hesitate to react,” she said.

She pointed out that these pledges of support could be nothing more than a “double-edged sword” that cuts both sides. – The Vibes, November 14, 2023