Written by Super Admin
Based on broadcast by Radio Singapore International
Published by malaysia-today.net
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
If you have a Royal Commission basically dominated by independent people, even by some pro-opposition figures and yet come out with a verdict that say, well we can’t find any evidence that Najib is involved, then Najib’s name would be cleared, only in that way.
Radio Singapore International
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi says that the public is fed up with the political bickering that is going on in the country.
Mr Abdullah has pledged to give more priority to more pressing issues like rising fuel and food prices.
He was commenting on Malaysia’s Sunday Star front-page report on the reaction of the people over the political exchanges in the past few weeks.
The leader of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition was also perturbed by the continuing demonstrations organized by the opposition.
So, have Malaysians really had enough of the political uncertainty in the country?
A question Saifulbahri Ismail asked Wong Chin Huat (WCH), political analyst from Malaysia’s Monash University :
WCH : Yes, I think many Malaysians do feel like they do want to see the dust settle down after elections. They do want to see politicians focus on their work rather than ongoing political campaign, but having said that we must see that some of the issues are actually real concerns. Whatever position you take, I think price hike is a real concern because of the cut in petroleum subsidies. Similarly, I think people feel very much concern with the case of Altantuya murder, as well as credibility of judiciary, the police and other public institutions. And what Malaysians want, is that they do want to see politicians getting on with their business of running the country, and many people feel very puzzled, and I can understand that many people want to see and say let’s finish it, either direction is fine.
Do you think a quick fix solution is necessary at this point to end the political turmoil once and for all?
WCH : I think that kind of preference for a quick fix is dangerous because we might not get the best result. What we need today, as far as I see is for Abdullah and Anwar to sit down and say, let’s negotiate an agenda reform. There should be open dialogue between both sides to discuss what’s the agenda forward now. I think Barisan Nasional need to recognize the new political reality and stop suppressing the opposition state governments now. And on the other hand, Anwar Ibrahim should and Pakatan Rakyat should respect the legitimate right to rule the country. Both sides should respect this and get down to business, and then you can say after two years or three years and say, let’s call for elections and let the people decide.
Now to what extent do you think that these accusations and counter-accusations and political drama in Malaysia have further polarized the country?
WCH : I don’t think the country is more polarized than before the election. Many people regardless of what their preference would be now want to see a stronger government. The best solution is not for any of them, either the Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat to come in as a powerful dominant government, but I think what we need to is actually some form of national consensus, of how this country should move on. Recognizing a more equal share of power between both sides of the divide.
With the current attention being focussed on Najib and Anwar, do you think it has given some breathing space for Prime Minister Abdullah?
Yes, I do think so. I don’t think Umno can go into the next elections with the Prime Minister in waiting tainted by accusations as such, whether they are founded or not. So, unfortunately I think the greatest liability to the party may not be Abdullah anymore.
Is there any way for Najib to perhaps regain his credibility?
Perhaps, except if you have a Royal Commission (of Inquiry) that is seen as completely independent headed by some people who are no where close to the Barisan Nasional at all. If you have a Royal Commission basically dominated by independent people, even by some pro-opposition figures and yet come out with a verdict that say, well we can’t find any evidence that Najib is involved, then Najib’s name would be cleared, only in that way.