PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is demonstrating a deft touch in navigating the strained US-China relationship, courting investments from both countries to both international acclaim and consternation. While some international commentators see this as a clever play, others are disappointed that he is not choosing one side over the other.
Much of the criticism stems from the West, where Western-influenced media point to reasons why Anwar should not cosy up to China. The real reason for the West’s angst is that the rise of China and India serves as a real threat to the neoliberal and neo-imperialist Western agenda. The visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang has ruffled some feathers, as is evident through reports and opinions of the Western media.
Anwar is right to do what is best for Malaysia, without being led by any particular dogma or partisan interest. The government should focus on what works best for Malaysia and its people. The biggest challenge for the prime minister is that the unity government he helms is not entirely running in the same direction as he is.
The balanced social, political, and economic agenda he aspires to is being thwarted by communal and big-business interests. Political parties within his government, such as Barisan Nasional and even DAP, are largely communal-based parties. The shift towards a more dynamic, prosperous, and equitable Malaysia can only be achieved if we truly dismantle the type of politics that has divided Malaysia along racial and religious lines.
Big business has seen to it that Malaysians are divided into two halves economically, with a small minority seeing their wealth expand exponentially and a growing number of people finding it difficult to eke out a decent living. Pro-business and anti-labour policies, through the lobby of big business in the country, have been the norm. Little has been achieved by the Madani government to correct this imbalance. Agencies such as the Human Resources Ministry have only accentuated the divide between the rich and poor in the country.
The prime minister is on the right trajectory strategically, and he now needs his government to back him up. – June 22, 2024.
* Callistus Antony D’angelus is international labour adviser to Social Protection Contributors’ Advisory Association Malaysia.
