YOURSAY | ‘Anwar’s influence domestically and abroad unmatched by previous two PMs.’

'Are you PM or celebrity?' - Saifuddin Abdullah chides Anwar

Not Bitten Twice: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a celebrity, we must thank former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad. If not for the cruel treatment of Anwar and his family, he would not have been made such a hero in our eyes.

In contrast, I am reminded of another short film made by Mahathir’s granddaughter, filmmaker Ineza Roussille, “M for Malaysia”.

He was shown to shed crocodile tears and many were duped into shedding wasted tears. Thankfully, I did not.

Mahathir deserves an Oscar, and he would be the first Asian to do so. Michelle Yeoh must be relieved that he was not suggested for nomination.

Maybe we should thank Mahathir. If not for him there will be no “Anwar: The Untold Story”. Thanks to Mahathir, a hero emerged.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Anwar would not be the PM we know today if he had not gone through trials and tribulations. True gold is tested by fire.

If Allah is for Anwar, who can go against him? Conversely, if Allah is not for you, you will live to see your regret. Even if you live to a hundred.

Mojo: Former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, oh Saifuddin. We know you are a bit lost and confused. Since GE15, everything has been different.

For the first time, since the independence of Malaya (Peninsula Malaysia in 1957), and the formation of Malaysia (1963), there was no political party, or coalition that won a simple majority in GE15 (November 2022 polls).

On the advice and guidance of His Majesty, the Agong, a unity government was formed by unexpected GE15 political contestants. And that is, Pakatan Harapan, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are the main players that formed the government.

So, it is understandable that a whole lot of the rakyat, including the disappointed PN coalition, are trying to adapt and absorb the different styles of administrations but ultimately the common goal, the objective of moving the country forward in terms of ensuring peace and harmony, and hence development of the country in general.

So naturally, all successful leaders of nations will bound to have celebrity-like personalities to ensure good relations with their citizens and also good relations internationally.

Reset: Saifuddin, you are “famous” forever marked with Sheraton Move, and your comment on PM is soured with jealousy and bias.

Since PMX is on board, the energy and influence at both the country and world stage are definitely not matched by the previous two PMs. The rakyat can really feel the difference including the intense effort to address the hardship of B40 while addressing the systemic corruption within the country.

This is what a PM should demonstrate. Trying to pick on the movie about our PM? You should be proud of it as not many PMs do have that kind of experience and influence to make it even a film that triggered attention and excitement except possibly Mahathir’s but he has since lost all the respect of many Malaysians.

PN is definitely worried as the PMX has increased in his popularity among Malay and many started to acknowledge his intense effort in them to address real issues faced by the rakyat.

If this continues, the green wave will be contained as many will realise the unity government is indeed what will bring the required changes to the country while not creating a divisive country by stirring up racial and religious sentiment as PN is doing.

Lastly, Saifuddin, it is better for you to voice up against the divisive remark made by your partner, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who does not act like a national leader.

Worried Sick: Please Saifuddin, we know this is not your culture to see a PM acting the way Anwar does in your eyes. You are of the breed that is aloft of the common man's wants and needs.

Therein, you say Anwar is not acting as a PM should. Maybe a PM who declares an emergency and runs a country as a dictator, is more of a champion to you?

But to a commoner like me, I am so relieved and so happy that my country is becoming more democratic, free and most of all happy to have a PM like Anwar Ibrahim.

Newday: Saifuddin, you go at Anwar and anyone that doesn’t agree with you. We cannot have a reasoned objective argument with you lot as in the “Allah” case and much ado about nothing Coldplay issue. It is all emotive and subjective with you lot.

You wouldn’t know what to do with yourselves if you didn’t play up race and religion sentiments. You are nothing more, not exactly having credentials to successfully run a country.

If the PM is getting under your skin, then that can only be good for our secular democratic society.

George Lourdesamy: The most ineffective foreign minister since 1957 is speaking. His dismal tenure in Wisma Putra made us the laughingstock of the diplomatic world. The biggest "actors" are in PN and Bersatu.

The Sheraton Move was their blockbuster production. Of course, kings, presidents, and prime ministers are celebrities unless you want to be seen to be weak and insignificant. All politicians are actors.

Those of Academy Award standards are Mahathir, another former premier Muhyiddin Yassin, Hadi, Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin, and former Bersatu minister Azmin Ali.

If you have nothing of substance to say, just keep quiet. In Parliament, you behave like a mouse - so scared to question or debate with Anwar.

Cogito Ergo Sum: Which part of Anwar’s statements seems “misleading” to you? The rest of the rakyat can explain the statements to you in whatever language you are comfortable with.

Can you also please get someone to read to you all the alleged “disparaging” statements Anwar is said to have made against Mahathir and Hadi?

If you really did not understand the statements and remarks, then you are pretending to be linguistically challenged.

P_Mammen: Saifuddin, a celebrity PM who imposes no harm to the nation’s coffer or burns a hole in the rakyat’s pocket, I am okay with that.

A celebrity PM who works tirelessly to plug revenue leakage and root out corruption, yes!

A celebrity PM who has shown sincerity and statesmanship in his willingness to work with all to build a strong and successful nation. Starting with a clean and accountable government. I am absolutely fine with that.

But, of course, for someone who only sees green…with envy, you are definitely blind to this reality.

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