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By Mihar Dias Copyright (c) September 2023
In a recent column, Ramasamy raises important questions about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's understanding of the Malay political mindset.
Ramasamy begins by questioning whether Anwar is accurately interpreting the Malay political mood or if he is, in fact, misreading it.
He criticises Anwar for his support of the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to UMNO's president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, stating that this decision has many political implications.
Ramasamy questions how Anwar, a seasoned politician, could endorse such a move given its potentially divisive consequences.
Ramasamy suggests that if Anwar's goal is to save the unity government and secure multiple terms in office, he may have misjudged the Malay political sentiment.
However, he also acknowledges that Anwar is a shrewd political strategist, possibly adopting a Machiavellian approach, and may have a more nuanced agenda.
The author highlights the importance of UMNO's support for the unity government's stability and implies that Anwar may prioritize short-term political stability over a deeper understanding of the Malay political mindset.
Ramasamy recognizes that Anwar seeks to move beyond UMNO and its current leadership, perceiving it as a liability. Anwar's ambition, according to the op-ed, is to secure lasting Malay support, which has shifted towards the opposition due to factors like corruption and its alignment with the DAP.
The article concludes by suggesting that Anwar's understanding of the Malay mindset could lead him to abandon not only UMNO but also the DAP in pursuit of long-term political stability.
Overall, Ramasamy's op-ed raises thought-provoking questions about Anwar Ibrahim's political strategy and his reading of the Malay political landscape. It highlights the complex interplay of factors in Malaysian politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding and responding to the ever-evolving sentiments of the Malay electorate.
From our perspective, PMX is his pragmatic self. If you could just ponder for a moment on his moves in the last nine months.
He rewards his supporters and gives them what he promises irrespective of consequences. He has rewarded Umno what they have bargained for, and Zahid’s DNAA is part of the packaged deal.
The same goes for Sabah, Sarawak, and Mat Sabu and not to forget DAP. But he treads softly on the DAP's demand on Chinese schools, for now.
In fact, he would do anything within his means to stay in power.
Where Zahid is concerned, Anwar has given him the rural portfolio to manage Malay votes. It would be up to Zahid now whether he would be able to mould the Malay mindset in the next four years to help prop up this unity government.
Back to Ramasamy's question about Anwar's reading of the Malay mindset:
The Malays easily forget, as Dr.Mahathir has often said in the past. Within the next four years with funds made available through the Ministry of Rural Development, and with the opposition short of funding themselves, the gullible Malays might just be made to change their way of thinking about Zahid and his phenomenal charges. In fact, Umno is already planning roadshows to win over the hearts and minds of Malay support.
Yes, Ramasamy, Anwar reads the Malay mind quite well, whether they are in Umno or in the heartlands.
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