Recent statements by leaders of PKR, namely YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat, officially Mr. Opposition in Parliament), his wife Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah (President of PKR), YB Azmin Ali (Deputy President of PKR) and YB Nurul Izzah (Vice President of PKR), which have in effect, renounced the 'Ketuanan Melayu' concept espoused and perpetuated by Umno to benefit mainly its leaders and members for the past 53 years, would have been seen as politically correct in every country of the world, except our own. Knowing the expected backlash from their own race and community, they have earned my respect and of those who share universal values of equality, justice and good governance, for their boldness in making public the direction which their party and the coalition which they lead, is heading.
The BN controlled mainstream media were quick to denounce it by twisting the statements as being in effect, against the Malay Rulers. But the position of the Malay Rulers is well protected under the Malaysian Constitution, except when Dr. Mahathir himself took them on when he was in full control of the institutions. Who else but him, who dared to upset our sovereign Rulers?
The concept of Ketuanan Rakyat (supremacy of the people), as opposed to Ketuanan Melayu (supremacy of Malay, a race), is generally acceptable by other nations and their citizens. I would presume Anwar Ibrahim places the importance of the people above that of only one race which, no matter how we look at it, is by far, the fairest policy to adopt. Given that our country is mainly of the Malay race, any policy based on needs would likely benefit them, provided it is not hijacked by unscrupulous politicians for themselves and their cronies. It is time that we have development programmes which could really benefit the people, instead of Rm65 million to renovate an already opulent PM residence, Rm65 million to enable a second Malaysian to space travel, and Rm5 billions or more to build the next tallest building to feed the ego of the PM.
Pakatan Rakyat have shown their sincerity and ability in good governance in the states under their control, especially in Penang and Selangor, despite endless sabotage by civil servants and political opponents, with the help of government agencies like Police and MACC. Perak fell because of entrapment and the lure of settlement and money.
The former MB of Selangor spent millions on overseas travel and other questionable deals, yet his cases seem to grind to a halt with MACC statements of 'still under investigation' or awaiting AG's prosecution, yet a political aide of a Selangor State Exco (DAP) died as a result of harassment by MACC over a mere Rm2,400!
Pakatan Rakyat is still new and yet is expected to be perfect. Where it involves power in positions, as in the State Assemblies, it is only natural that there will be jostles for power within a political party. The good side of these jostles for power is that it will bring out the best as well as the worst in politicians involved. The people get to know more about their character during as well as after the contests.
I believe Anwar's personal problems as a result of persecution by the powers that be, may be a godsend in the sense that it enforces his commitment towards the overall good of the people of Malaysia. I also believe that if ever he is sent to jail again, the people would ensure Pakatan Rakyat's victory over Barisan Nasional!
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