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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) August 2023
In the ongoing state elections, two candidates, Sanusi and Abe, have adopted the same endearing salute, popularized by Anwar Ibrahim's open palm defiant salute, reminiscent of the US Black Panther movement of 1960s and revived in 2020 by BLM or Black Lives Matter.
Anwar's salute symbolized his reformasi days and was featured in his recently released film Anwar: The Untold Story."
Sanusi, known as the most vocal candidate in modern Malaysian history, now uses this same stance. His defiance against federal political leaders is evident in the image of him saluting at the courtroom when he was brought to court after his 3am arrest by the police.
While Anwar's supporters have objected to comparisons between his arrest in the 1990s and Sanusi's recent one, they should appreciate that Sanusi keeps the salute and the spirit of reformasi alive.
It's commendable that the younger generation, represented by candidates like Sanusi and Abe, continues to embrace the spirit of defiance and change.
Abe Lim, dubbed the most beautiful and equally smart candidate, also adopts a similar stance on nomination day, promising to be the most popular and beautiful of all candidates in the six states.
This upcoming election appears to be more about popularity than issues, with candidates vying for the spotlight.
While Anwar may have started using the salute decades ago, it is heartening to see that the young and upcoming leaders of the country, like Sanusi and Abe, continue to uphold its symbolism.
However, there seems to be some envy among the old guards when young leaders gain more popularity with the masses.
Ultimately, this election is a reflection of the changing dynamics in politics, where defiance, beauty, and popularity play significant roles.
Regardless of the outcome, the continuing legacy of the salute and the spirit it represents should be celebrated as a symbol of hope and reform in the country's political landscape.
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