M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, associate professor and an author
Back in 1984, when PMX Anwar Ibrahim was Agriculture Minister, he visited Penang often to witness the Integrated Agriculture Development projects.
On arrival at the Bayan Lepas Airport, he would open the driver's door politely and smilingly, requesting the driver to sit in the back seat.
Whether on work or holidays, Anwar loved to take the driver’s seat and drive the family around. He craved more to go, especially during holidays around Malaysia. In his younger days, Anwar enjoyed driving around Malaysia on holidays, whether it was with family or friends.
The agriculture officer would sit next to him in the front passenger seat as co-pilot. He did not have to show Anwar the directions in the driver’s seat as it was his home state, and he knew his way around.
The agriculture officer, whom Anwar nicknamed “Arab”, said they got used to Anwar always wanting to drive and be close to people. So much so Penangites called Anwar “Pak Sheikh” (buddy or good friend).
“In his late 30s as Agriculture Minister, Anwar was always approachable and, in all humility, smiled and laughed with the people on the ground when he visited projects.
“As the agriculture minister, Anwar always wanted to know hands-on the progress of the projects and always requested for tenders to be called for any project, said “Arab” who declined his name to be used.
I met “Arab” at the barber shop on Tuesday morning (24th October 2023) and presented him with my book Prison to Palace, PM for All. Looking at the Anwar picture he narrated his close rapport meetings of Anwar regularly whenever he visited Penang in the mid-1980s.
Having studied in Hawaii and Boston, “Arab” said that Anwar never projected any arrogance but was affable and liked by the people.
Once, when Anwar was driving as a minister, the police had a roadblock, and when they approached the driver’s seat, they were shocked to see Anwar as the driver. They then saluted him, while Anwar returned the Boy Scout salute.
Anwar, as PMX, continues to be the people’s man. In his 2023 New Year’s Day message at Putrajaya Mosque on 31st December 2022, he said: “The people’s welfare would be the top priority for the government to make sure all Malaysians are treated equally and justly regardless of race or religion.”
Here are some of the highlights of his speech:
- Called for a better understanding of different religions
- Stop narrow-mindedness
- Live together in harmony regardless of race, religion or culture
- Make a “paradigm shift” so that policies are made with the welfare of the people in mind
- The government will ensure the recovery of billions of stolen by the nation’s former leaders
- Warned those holding high positions who embezzled funds to return
- Such acts are unforgivable, and no one will be pardoned
- Develop the country, but not at the expense of our humanity
- “I will not tolerate this. I hope they will repent.”
- Will not free those who pocketed the nation’s wealth
- Ordinary folk earn RM40 a day; the looters took RM4mil a day
- Stop politicking; the country facing health and economic issues
- Instil confidence among foreign direct investors
- Have better governance and a country free of corruption and abuse of power
- With a better government, we can guarantee that Malaysia is not a country where political leaders enrich themselves
- Use the money to drive growth for the people
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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