COMMENT | The mask belonging to the prime-minister-in-waiting, Anwar Ibrahim, has slipped. It did not take long for him to display his ugly side. Anwar the reformer, who championed other people's causes has gone.

Last week, after being stung by accusations that he was "power hungry", a narcissist, an impatient man with a super ego which needs constant massaging, he launched a tirade against an unnamed group of people, whom he termed the "Super Liberals".

He accused the Super Liberals of having strong demands, who denounced people whose views opposed theirs. He said, "When we criticise them, we are attacked, as if this country belongs to them."

Anwar is being disingenuous. During a nationwide tour, after his release from prison, he told everyone that the premiership belonged to him.

He added, "They think that we must accept their views. If I touch a little on Islam and the Malays, they will raise an argument."

Anwar is again wrong. He is playing to the Malay crowd and their insecurities, with his Malay and Muslim agenda. Of course, he played a principal role in the fostering of insecurities in the Malays, while he was in Umno.

Instead of allowing the PM, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and his team to return stability (financial, economic and social) to the nation, Anwar must act as the prima donna and take centre stage. Add one more adjective to describe Anwar - attention seeker.

The more people criticised him, the more he digs in his heels. He is a perfect example of Melayu mudah lupa. When he was released, he said he was in no hurry to be an MP and thence, the PM. He said that he would lecture, at prestigious universities overseas, for two years. Did these invitations dry up?

A by-election was arranged especially for him. The elected MP, Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, voluntarily vacated his seat, to the consternation of his electorate.

Anwar's arrogance damaged both the party and his family. Danyal showed that his loyalty to Anwar was greater than his loyalty to the rakyat.

Former military men expressed their disgust with Danyal. One said, "We once served together, and we are disappointed with him. Those of us who helped fund his campaign in GE14 want our money back."

Another former Royal Malaysian Navy officer said, "If I had known he (Danyal) was doing this, I would not have made a contribution. He has squandered goodwill and lost many friends..."