In the fog of Malaysian politics, few alliances have been as dramatic and fraught as that between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim. Once mentor and protégé, turned bitter enemies, then uneasy allies but their dynamic has profoundly shaped Malaysia’s political landscape over the past few decades.
Since 1998, I had been a
supporter of Anwar Ibrahim, even when it was risky to do so. I believed in his
cause and his message of reform and justice. At a time when speaking up for
Anwar could attract unwanted attention, I persisted because I was convinced, he
was the change Malaysia needed.
However, in recent years particularly
since late 2022, my perception has shifted dramatically. I have witnessed
Anwar's leadership firsthand, and it has been both disappointing and
disheartening. The reformist image that once inspired millions now appears
hollow, muddled by political compromises, indecisiveness, and a lack of real
transformation.
For the first time, I truly
understand why Dr Mahathir was so reluctant to appoint Anwar as his successor not
once, but twice. While I continue to disagree with many of Mahathir's policies
and authoritarian tendencies, I now appreciate the reasoning behind his
hesitation. What once seemed like political sabotage now looks more like
calculated pragmatism.
The first major rift between
Mahathir and Anwar emerged during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997–1998.
Anwar, then Deputy Prime Minister, advocated for austerity measures and IMF
involvement. Mahathir vehemently opposed both, opting instead for capital controls
and homegrown economic remedies.
Their conflicting visions
culminated in Anwar's dismissal, followed by his arrest and a highly publicized
trial that drew international condemnation. At the time, I viewed Mahathir's
actions as the ruthless suppression of a genuine reformer.
Today, I see a more complex
picture. The clash was not just personal or ideological; it was a fundamental
disagreement on how best to navigate crisis. Mahathir saw Anwar as
inexperienced and politically impatient, a risk to stability at a critical
juncture.
Their reconciliation in 2018
ahead of GE14 shocked many. Pakatan Harapan's victory over Barisan Nasional was
historic, and Mahathir once again became Prime Minister under a promise that he
would eventually hand over the reins to Anwar.
Yet, Mahathir never set a firm
date. Some called this betrayal. But in hindsight, it was caution. The PH
coalition was fragile, and Mahathir likely feared that a premature transition
to Anwar would fracture it. Indeed, it collapsed anyway in 2020, and the
resulting Sheraton Move plunged Malaysia into another political crisis.
Viewed through this lens,
Mahathir’s delay wasn't petty but it was strategic. He knew Anwar's support in
Parliament was weak and inconsistent. He feared that handing over power would
trigger chaos. Sadly, his fears were not unfounded.
Fast forward to Anwar’s
long-awaited premiership in late 2022. The expectations were enormous.
Malaysians who had long hoped for a reformist government believed their time
had come. Yet the early months of his leadership quickly eroded that hope.
From controversial judicial
decisions, such as the DNAA for Deputy PM Zahid Hamidi, to the apparent
stagnation in anti-corruption efforts, it became increasingly clear that
Anwar's governance was built more on political survival than reform.
These compromises though arguably
necessary to maintain his fragile coalition but shattered the image of Anwar as
a principled reformer. Many of us who championed his cause for over two decades
felt a profound sense of betrayal.
Economic mismanagement has only
compounded this disillusionment. Cost of living has skyrocketed, and ordinary
Malaysians are feeling the strain. Despite months of promises, the government’s
much-anticipated relief initiatives remain delayed.
As of July 2025, there is still
no comprehensive policy in place to ease inflationary pressures or address wage
stagnation. Anwar’s administration appears caught between trying to appease
various coalition partners and delivering meaningful economic solutions.
The resulting indecision has bred
frustration, not just among the elite or political commentators, but among
everyday citizens who once believed he would be different.
In retrospect, Mahathir’s
reluctance now appears grounded in experience. He had worked closely with
Anwar. He had seen his temperament, political instincts, and judgment up close.
While Mahathir’s critics, myself included once labelled him paranoid or
jealous, I now suspect he was simply pragmatic.
Leadership is not just about
charisma or eloquence; it's about governing effectively, building consensus,
and making hard decisions in the nation’s interest. Anwar may have had the
heart, but increasingly, it appears he lacks the machinery and willpower to
bring about real reform.
This doesn’t mean Mahathir’s own
record is spotless. Far from it. His time in power saw the centralization of
authority, weakening of democratic institutions, and the imprisonment of
dissenters.
Yet, in this specific matter, the
question of Anwar’s readiness for leadership - he might have been right. His
hesitation was not purely personal; it was based on political and institutional
calculation. And with each passing month under Anwar's premiership, that
calculation appears more and more prescient.
The political ramifications of
this could be severe. As GE16 approaches, dissatisfaction with the current
administration is likely to grow. Anwar’s coalition may find itself punished by
voters who feel let down and disillusioned.
Malaysians are a forgiving
people, but they are not infinitely patient. If the promised reforms fail to
materialize and if the cost of living continues to rise, it won’t just be Anwar
who pays the price, but the broader reformist movement itself.
Looking back on my own journey from
idealistic supporter to sceptical observer, I now realize that politics is
often less about ideals and more about execution.
I once believed that Anwar was
Malaysia’s best hope. Perhaps he still can be. But hope alone cannot lead a
country. Action, courage, and competence must follow.
And if these remain absent, then
Mahathir’s decision to withhold power from Anwar will not only be justified but
it will be vindicated.
Kuala Lumpur.
20.7.2025
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