Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, a politician who went from prisoner to prime minister, must make a decision that will define his long-sought premiership. Will he collude with a graft-tainted coalition partner seen as launching scurrilous attacks on the judiciary in a bid to exonerate its jailed former leader – ex-prime minister Najib Razak – or will he abide by the principles of reform and good governance that he has long-claimed to uphold?
The question has unsettled reform-minded Malaysians who see the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman as their last best hope of righting the wrongs of a political system that has for decades been riddled with corruption. Even when Anwar opted to join forces with his long-time nemesis the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) after November’s election, he was given the benefit of the doubt.
But to the dismay of many supporters of his “reformasi” cause, the 73-old-premier has stood by, seemingly reluctant to push back against his UMNO coalition partners agitating for their former leader’s freedom. While Najib’s fate is by no means Anwar’s decision alone, analysts see him wielding significant influence as a member of a committee evaluating his potential pardon.
Those in the jailed ex-premier’s inner circle say Anwar has more to gain than lose politically by acquiescing to UMNO’s demands. “The pardon just makes sense for Anwar’s political survival. And if he really wants to do the things he wants to do in terms of reforming the system, he needs that time and he needs that support,” said a source close to Najib who requested anonymity.
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Nile Bowie is a journalist and correspondent with the Asia Times covering current affairs in Singapore and Malaysia. He can be reached at nilebowie@gmail.com.
