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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright September 2024
Donald Trump’s latest venture into the art of shameless self-promotion—selling commemorative coins, golden sneakers, and “God Bless the USA” Bibles—offers a masterclass in the exploitation of public adoration. It’s capitalism wrapped in patriotism, all while his supporters line up, wallets open, for a piece of their political messiah.
Now, imagine if Malaysia’s political leaders took a page from Trump’s playbook. What would happen if our politicians discovered that merchandise could be the key to both financial security and unwavering loyalty?
For starters, imagine Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launching his own commemorative coin series. Instead of a golden Trump medallion, we’d get a “Malaysia Madani Coin,” symbolising his vision of a compassionate, progressive nation. Anwar, ever the idealist, could proudly proclaim that his limited-edition coin “puts the rakyat first” and “commemorates our movement toward reform.” Of course, the coin wouldn’t be minted from gold or silver but from a more modest alloy—something in line with his message of equality and humility.
Then there’s Zahid Hamidi, whose “mastermind” claim behind Tun Dr Mahathir’s ouster could easily inspire a line of merchandise. Perhaps Zahid could market the “Strategist Sneakers,” perfect for anyone who believes they’re the puppet master pulling the strings of Malaysian politics. For a price, the shoes would allow the wearer to feel like the most powerful person in any room—just as Zahid imagines himself to be. And let’s not forget the limited-edition “Zahid chess set,” where every piece is a politician maneuvering to stay in power.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Najib Razak, never one to shy away from the spotlight, could release his own NFT series, much like Trump. This digital collection might include memorable moments like his infamous “Can I advise you something?” speech or a collectible featuring his iconic pose outside the courts during his 1MDB trials. But Najib’s true merchandising coup would surely be the “SRC International Collectors’ Edition Handbag Set”—a sly nod to his wife Rosmah’s lavish spending on luxury goods. Each handbag in the series would be named after a different court case, with a portion of the proceeds going to legal fees.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with his storied political legacy, could sell autographed copies of the “Mahathir Constitution,” a custom notebook in which aspiring politicians could jot down their plans for multiple prime ministerial terms. It would be perfect for those looking to hold office into their 90s. After all, longevity is key in Malaysian politics. Mahathir could also sell his own commemorative plaque featuring a slogan such as, “Tun M: The Original Comeback Kid,” reminding Malaysians that he’s the true symbol of resilience (or, at the very least, endurance).
If Trump can sell beach balls and dog collars emblazoned with his name, then surely Malaysia’s political class could do the same. How about a line of “Anwar Ibrahim Leadership Cat Collars” for those who want to keep their loyalty on a short leash? Or a “Zahid Hamidi Golf Ball Marker” for the elite who need to keep their game steady while waiting for the next political scandal to blow over?
The implications of Trump’s merchandising antics go beyond just lining his pockets—they reveal how political leaders can transform themselves into brands, capitalizing on their supporters' unwavering devotion. For Malaysian politicians, this is an enticing prospect. Why rely on political contributions or government salaries when you can turn yourself into a walking, talking souvenir machine?
By diving into the world of merchandise, our politicians could tap into an endless revenue stream, allowing them to finance campaigns, pay off legal fees, or even build a nest egg for those inevitable post-office scandals. The more scandal-ridden their career, the more they stand to profit. After all, what could be more appealing to collectors than a t-shirt emblazoned with the face of a leader who survived multiple corruption charges?
But beyond the humour, there’s a darker implication here. When leaders start selling themselves like products, they risk turning political engagement into a superficial transaction. Support is no longer based on policies or performance but on the allure of owning a piece of the politician’s brand.
In Malaysia, where political loyalty is already precarious and heavily transactional, this could push the public even further away from meaningful political participation. Instead of engaging with the issues, voters could simply purchase their way into a sense of belonging to a political “movement.”
And let’s face it, if Malaysian politicians started following in Trump’s footsteps, we might just find ourselves in a strange new world where political leadership is measured not by governance but by the ability to move merchandise. Perhaps in the future, we won’t be asking how many seats a party won in an election but how many commemorative coins they managed to sell. After all, in the age of Trump, politics isn’t just about power—it’s about profit.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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