Anwar is disappearing – Tay Tian Yan

NOV 16 – Who is the top leader of Pakatan Rakyat? Everyone knew it was Datuk Ser Anwar Ibrahim. Until now.

Only he could draw PKR, DAP and PAS together; only he had a wealth of administrative experience; only he could push ahead the two-line system, only he had a unique political charisma; only he ....

However, these things that could be done “only” by him are gradually fading.

So, where is Anwar today?

He is in the United States. And the next moment, he is in the Middle East, then Indonesia … he is always hurrying here, there, being seen in different countries.

He has an excellent international popularity and image and is seen as the representative of a moderate Islamic society, “Mr Democracy” of the developing countries, as well as a bridge of communication between Western countries and the Muslim community.

Such a role has turned him into an international favourite. Universities and think tanks of the Unites States, the ruling and opposition political parties in Europe, Arab governments and semi-official organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations in Asia and Africa, all like him.

But, while he is still famous to the world, his heat in domestic politics has started to cool down.

Some PKR members have quit the party while Selangor PKR has been rife with infighting, Sabah PKR is close to collapse and the party’s morale has been flagg.

Anwar seems quite helpless while all these are happening.

The three component parties are struggling and Pakatan Rakyat is gradually losing its direction. It has failed to capture the people’s passion and resist the offensive of BN. Anwar seems to have no strength to make a change.

Anwar has lost his focus. He should have focused on domestic politics, revive PKR and lead it towards development. However, he has not played the role well.

His failure to change the regime on Sept 16 is a blow to his credibility and, at the same time, it has affected his own psychological qualities. Obviously, his self-confidence and charm have greatly reduced.

Of course, the approaching sodomy case puts heavy pressure on him. If or when he is convicted, his political future will probably be put on hold abruptly. Even if he can win the case, it will consume a lot of his spirit and will.

At this very moment, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was brought into the party by Anwar, has said that PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, instead of Anwar, should helm Pakatan Rakyat after its registration as a formal coalition.

Even though it is merely a suggestion, it is still a blow to Anwar. At the very least, the role of the “informal Pakatan Rakyat leader” that he used to enjoy before has now been questioned. Moreover, it comes from PKR itself instead of PAS or DAP.

Objectively speaking, Nik Aziz is not good enough to replace Anwar when taking into considering factors such as age, physical condition, qualifications and modern thinking.

But Anwar, who is gradually losing his fighting spirit and increasingly ensnared in legal suits, has indeed disappointed and worried many of his supporters.

So, who is the top leader of Pakatan Rakyat? The question may not seem so urgent at the moment but it demands immediate attention on whether Anwar can pick himself up and scale another peak. – mysinchew.com