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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) October 2023
Well, well, well, it seems Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has once again graced us with his unparalleled ability to make us cringe collectively.
In a recent dialogue session with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Anwar's performance was nothing short of, let's say, memorable.
You see, Anwar had the unique talent of talking about everything except the topic at hand.
It's almost impressive how he managed to evade questions about his economic agenda and instead chose to regale the audience with tales of his own past. Because, clearly, we all wanted to hear about his personal experiences rather than the country's future plans.
Oh, and let's not forget his charming obsession with CFR chairman Robert E Rubin. Anwar couldn't help but fawn over him repeatedly, which left us wondering if he was at a CFR event or a fan club meeting. "I admire greatly," he gushed, as if he were trying to secure an autograph.
But the pièce de résistance of Anwar's performance was his attempt to compare himself to Nelson Mandela.
Yes, you heard that right. Anwar, the man who has spent more time in Malaysian courts than in office, had the audacity to draw parallels with a true global icon. The internet's collective eye-roll must have been felt worldwide.
Moderator Mariko Silver had the unenviable task of trying to steer Anwar back on track, reminding him that he hadn't actually answered a question. It's almost as if he was in a time warp, reliving his past political battles from 1999 while the world had moved on to 2023.
Of course, social media didn't hold back. Comments poured in, questioning Anwar's ability to represent Malaysia on the global stage.
Some accused him of narcissism, while others resorted to name-calling. And rightfully so, because it takes a special kind of self-delusion to think that talking about your past would impress anyone in a room full of policy makers and influencers.
In contrast, many wistfully reminisced about the days of Tun Dr Mahathir, who knew how to handle Western audiences with charisma and intelligence. Anwar's performance was like a sad attempt to fill some pretty big shoes, and he stumbled magnificently.
So, dear PMX, perhaps it's time to leave the past where it belongs and focus on the present and future of Malaysia.
Because playing the victim card won't cut it anymore, and your performance is starting to look more like a tragic comedy than a diplomatic dialogue.
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