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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright May 2024
In a recent social media post, Rafizi was humorously hailed as a virtuoso in the art of "goreng," a term not to be taken literally, as it doesn't involve a wok and rice to whip up a plate of Malaysia's favourite dish.
Instead, it colloquially implies spinning, hoodwinking, or fooling others. This witty description speaks volumes about the disconnect between politicians in Anwar's government and the Malaysia people whom they claimed to serve.
In the quaint days of the 1950s, when radios and TVs were scarce commodities, entertainment in a village near the Thai border revolved around travelling storytellers. One such mesmerising narrator enthralled audiences with the epic saga of Hikayat Siti Zunaidah, a valiant female warrior.
Unlike modern-day politicians, she did not need to fabricate or hoodwink; her storytelling prowess was enough to captivate her listeners.
The juxtaposition between the ancient storyteller and today's politicians is stark. While the former effortlessly held her audience spellbound with her melodious voice and timeless tales, the latter seem to rely on spin and deception to garner attention.
Perhaps there's a lesson here for Rafizi and his ilk: instead of resorting to manipulative tactics, they should focus on the art of genuine storytelling. After all, one can enjoy a good yarn without believing every word of it.
This reflection on the past serves as a poignant reminder of the widening gap between politicians and the people. While Hikayat Siti Zunaidah's legend lives on in the hearts of those who heard her tales, modern politicians risk fading into obscurity if they continue to lose touch with the essence of genuine connection.
The challenge for Rafizi and others in Anwar's government is clear: bridge the gap, or risk being relegated to the annals of forgotten history.
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