Anwar has openly alluded to UMNO “betraying” the Unity Government spirit—but why then is he still “BFF” with them in Putrajaya?
Amid the rising political temperature in the country, Pakatan Harapan leaders have now publicly called for voters in Negeri Sembilan to "punish" Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state polls—framing it as the epitome of “betrayal!”
Even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself has claimed that he never wanted early state polls, complaining that the state government is barely in its third year.
Still, the polls became inevitable following UMNO’s unilateral move to pull back support for the PH-led government there in the wake of the ongoing royal crisis.
Moreover, Anwar has admitted that there were indeed elements of betrayal in Negeri Sembilan, citing the alleged efforts to topple the state government despite political and economic stability.
True, if pulling the rug out from under a stable state government is not betrayal, then what is?
Yet, it begs the burning question: if UMNO is portrayed as the ultimate “traitor” in the state, why is it still treated as a “bosom buddy” in Putrajaya?
To make matters worse, wasn't UMNO even caught red-handed momentarily flirting with Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form a new state government amid that very same palace crisis?
So, is UMNO a friend or a foe?
A true helper or a backstabber?
The real Achilles' heel of Anwar's leadership, though, isn't the strength of its opponents; it is its inability to step in decisively at the onset of a crisis and its obvious reluctance to hold its own Unity Government partners accountable.
The “Allah socks” controversy.
The “illegal temple” firestorm.
The “halal” certification controversy.
To name just three.
It would also appear that by dancing to UMNO’s tune, purportedly to keep the present government intact, Anwar has left many of his own loyalists angry and alienated—probably permanently.
The truth is, how can Anwar and his Madani administration preach unity and governance with a straight face while continuing to pander to the whims of so-called “partners” who may already be plotting their next traitorous move?
Critics will also allege that Anwar has compromised far too much—undeservedly dishing out ministerial posts to UMNO at the expense of DAP—all in a bid for another term in office.
Even in Perak, where his coalition holds the most state seats—24 against UMNO's 9—didn’t PH graciously hand over the coveted Menteri Besar post on a platter to the nationalist party?
And now, in spite of all his “Messi-style” political ball-juggling, he might actually be staring at the possibility of being eliminated after just one term.
Come to think of it, even in his own backyard, PKR has already lost some very bright and capable people in Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi. These are no ordinary politicians—they are invaluable assets who served as the virtual brains and engine room of the party.
Why exactly did they leave?
Wasn't UMNO a critical factor in their drastic decision?
How many more will pack their bags and follow them?
On the contrary, PAS has shown its undeniable pedigree with its no-nonsense decisiveness—even boldly showing the door to its longtime ally Bersatu. No hesitation. No double talk.
In that context, it is bewildering why Anwar has continued cozying up to UMNO when the actions of the latter's Youth chief, its Johor Menteri Besar, and lately Zahid Hamidi himself fly completely against the interests of the Madani government.
Where is UMNO's basic courtesy?
Where is their respect for the leader of the very government they represent?
Truth be told, beneath all the public display of camaraderie, a silent rift has surely opened between DAP and Anwar. And despite the fierce loyalty of Anthony Loke and his party generals to PH, they do seem increasingly uncomfortable “trapped” in the complex political game being played out between Anwar and UMNO.
But how long can Anwar continue with this “double act” show?
Meanwhile, shouldn't DAP take stock of the shifting realities and confront the cold, hard question: are they Anwar’s true comrades-in-arms, or just political pawns in his chess set?
The harsh reality is that UMNO and DAP remain irreconcilable, while PKR itself is disintegrating. Against this grim backdrop, when Anwar’s political survival enters life-or-death mode, who will he choose: UMNO or DAP?
Main information source: Malaysiakini, FMT, Star and Malaysia Now.
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