Albert Tei may carry the title of “businessman,” but anyone paying attention can see that his true calling lies elsewhere. The man has taken to Malaysian politics the way a fish takes to water. Nothing about his behaviour suggests a reluctant outsider dragged unwillingly into the political arena. On the contrary, everything about him—from how he speaks, to the issues he chooses, to the way he frames himself—looks like someone who has been interested, and perhaps even training, to take part in politics his entire life.
His viral video, where he stands in front of the Petronas Twin Towers and declares that he is ready to “jump from the KLCC bridge” if proven wrong about certain political donations, is already a month old. But watching it recently reminded me just how strong a political instinct Albert possesses. He knows exactly what themes will capture public imagination, and he understands perfectly how to position himself to leave an emotional imprint on the audience.
Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar of Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) wanted authorities to investigate the suicide threats that Albert made in a viral video, with the KLCC bridge in the backdrop, under Section 309 of the Penal Code. According to Zulkarnain, such remarks indicate a clear intention to commit suicide, an offence punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine, or both. He argues that these statements—especially when broadcast on social media—cannot be treated lightly. They could also fall under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act if deemed offensive or disruptive to public order.
To Zulkarnain, Albert’s dramatic proclamation is not a harmless political stunt—it is potentially a sign of psychiatric stress and emotional instability requiring professional intervention.
I on the other hand, believe that Zulkarnain has completely missed the forest for the tree.
In the way I see it, Albert's video was a 110 percent political stunt - if anybody is suffering from psychiatric stress or emotional instability because of it, it is not Albert - it is the opponents of Albert, that Albert wants to distress psychologically and emotionally, by making that video.
Anyway, judging by how nothing happened to Albert although a month has passed, I think it is safe to say that between Zulkarnain's and my view, it is my view that is more in tune with reality.
As for Albert, not only is he alive and kicking today, with every word that comes out of his mouth, he is kicking all of his political opponents, including our dear PMX, with his antics.
Albert might be behind bars and facing trial today, but being the cynical Malaysian that I am , I don’t think that his problem with the Malaysian authorities and legal system will last long. And more importantly, I don't think his legal issues will in anyway diminish his “ political currency”. If anything, like so many Malaysian politicians before him, a brief stint in prison will probably polish his image like a diamond—sharpening his public persona, amplifying his image and preparing him for a larger stage.
Looking at him, I would not be surprised if Albert retires from business entirely and enters full-time politics the moment he walks free. In fact, I am halfway convinced he’s already a politician right now—just not officially.
Whether Albert is a hero whistle-blower fighting a corrupt system, or simply another player masquerading as the solution while being part of the problem, is a question with no satisfying answer. Trying to classify Malaysian politicians into “good” or “bad” categories is like arguing whether a Honda Civic is black or white —no matter how long you debate it, no conclusion will ever emerge, because a Honda Civic can sometimes be black, sometimes white and sometimes it can be neither black or white as well.
But if you were to change the frame of reference and simply define a Honda Civic a “good Japanese car”, then everything will fall into place and you, as well as everyone, will be able to understand and agree on what a Honda civic is.
In the same way, instead of seeing Albert as a saviour or a scourge, it is more accurate—and far more realistic—to see him as what he truly is: a politician, or a political operative, or in other words, someone who enjoys contesting, competing, fighting, and winning, or someone who uses their effort, ingenuity and abilty, to enable the condition for someone or something to win a contest, competition or fight.
As for the view that Albert’s suicide threat should be taken seriously, I personally find it laughable. Not because suicide is a trivial matter—but I am more than sure that Albert is not the type that anyone should be worried about of being a suicide risk.
People under stress react differently. Some harm themselves. Others lash out and harm others.
Albert, I am more than sure, clearly doesn’t belong in the first category. If he is ever under stress, it is other people who should be worried about what he is going to do to them —no one needs to worry about him harming himself.
So while Datuk Zulkarnain insists that the authorities must act, that these threats must be treated as legal offences, and that Albert may need psychological counselling—my interpretation is entirely different. What I see is a man with an uncanny political instinct, a taste for dramatic theatre, and a strategic mind that understands exactly how to dominate the conversation.
Albert Tei might be many things, but what he is clearly not is a danger to himself.
Rather than himself, it is likely the status quo that he is a danger to - and thus, as how a unit of baclava clad officers raided the home of this run of the mill businessman suggest, is is likely only the status quo that needs to be concerned about Albert Tei.
The management of KLCC and befrienders on the other hand, can rest assured that even if Albert stands on the edge of KLCC bridge, it is almost certainly because he is trying to make a point, not because he is tired of life.
TheRealNehruism (nehru.sathiamoorthy@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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