'Mike Tyson' still has his gloves on

By Zainal Epi - Free Malaysia Today,

SHAH ALAM: Former menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib has every reason to feel sad when he surveys the political landscape of Selangor.

The legacy he has left behind is practically lying in ruins, with the state Barisan Nasional in disarray.

“It is a question of loyalty. This is the main ingredient in any political organisation. With loyalty you can see your struggles through,” he told FMT in an interview.

“Without loyalty, there is no respect and when there is no respect, there is no unity and when there is no unity, the organisation will have no strength.

“This is what is happening in Selangor now,” he said.

Muhammad, popularly known as Mike Tyson for his powerful physique, swells with pride when he recalls his time as menteri besar (from 1986 to 1997). He built Selangor Umno to its strongest position in the 1990s: the state Umno acted with one voice. Thus the state flourished amidst political stability.

Many Umno members who opposed him agreed that he had brought prosperity to the state and created a lot of economic opportunities.

Today, Muhammad feels embittered when he sees the state of affairs in Selangor. The richest state in the peninsula has fallen to Pakatan Rakyat in the 2008 general election. In the wake of the disaster, the state Umno too was hit with political turbulence as the 22 Umno divisions struggled to get back on their feet.

To stop the rot, BN chairman and Umno president Najib Tun Razak had to step in: he replaced former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo as the state Umno chief. The latter became the state opposition head.

Najib then appointed Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister and Tanjung Karang division head Noh Omar as deputy liaison chief.

But the situation has not improved. Observers believe that when Najib relinquishes his hold on Selangor Umno, the various divisions would fall apart just like the divisions in Kedah and Terengganu.

Community work

These days, Muhammad has other things on his mind. Sitting on the sofa in his baju Melayu and sarung, he cuts a relaxed figure. Now that he is out of the political arena, what does he do with his spare time?

“I spent most of my time in a surau near my house in Shah Alam,” he said.

“I am doing things which I was unable to do when I was in politics: learning more about religion and doing community work.

“I listen to the grouses and grievances of the people living in my area. I also keep in touch with close friends in Umno about the political situation in the state,” he said.

Politics is still in his blood. He still heads the Umno Kelana Jaya division but he prefers to keep a low profile while his deputy runs the show.

“It is not that I want out. I just want to allow young blood to learn to lead.

“Politics is a good training ground. You not only learn theory but more importantly, you get to know the sentiments, trends, and needs of the people. You get to feel the pulse of the people while you stay on top of things.

“Politics is not all about making announcements, giving fiery speeches and shaking hands. It is deeper than that,” he said.

Understandably, Muhammad did not want to reveal much of his thoughts for fear of hurting the feelings of the current state Umno leaders and divisional heads.

“Let's put it this way... loyalty is most important and secondly, respect for the leaders and each other.

“When loyalty and respect are missing, then what one can expect is a free-for-all situation. Everybody clamours to be on top, to be a leader, to be heard, to be in the limelight of the media and so on.

“Actions taken are not synchronised or planned… each on his own… and the result will not be effective.

“The voters, on the other hand, are watching and they know... they are smart and knowledgeable.

“What I am saying is, everybody must come together and be loyal and respectful,” he said.

Fighting spirit

Muhammad speaks from experience: he has led the state Umno and the state for 11 years. In fact, the majority of the current 22 divisional heads are his “men”, leaders whom he had trained and led.

Besides, he was a Cabinet minister and was a vice-president in Umno.

He had to head for the exit when he failed to win the deputy president post in 2009 in a three-cornered fight. He was sidelined in the Najib administration.

But Muhammad seems to take things into his stride. He thinks he was not thrown out into political wilderness.

“I don’t think this is the case. It is normal for a new leader to appoint persons he can trust. For me, this is nothing new and nothing to worry about. I will continue to serve as long as I can and as long as I am needed,” he said.

The fighting spirit still burns in him and though he may not be at the centre of action, he is always lurking somewhere, keenly observing the political forces at play.

“Politics is about serving and politicians do not die in their struggles. They just fade away like old soldiers who will be remembered and respected,” he said.

1. Will you answer the call to duty again? His tall figure straightens up and like a battle-hardened soldier, Muhammad proudly said: “A politician does not run away from his responsibilities.” Spoken like a true soldier.