Critism proves Anwar and Keadilan on the right track

Kenyataan Media Dr. Syed Husin Ali, 5 Mac, 2008

The increasing attacks by the BN-owned media towards Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim clearly demonstrate that his message of hope for a better Malaysia is resonating with an exponentially increasing number of Malaysians.

Barisan Nasional (BN) is well aware that the ideals we and our associates in the Opposition are seeking to uphold are irrefutable and are recognised by ever more Malaysians as a better vision for the future our nation. BN is thus now seeking to draw attention away from issues that are pressing to all Malaysians by focusing on a feeble attempt by feeble individuals to smear the reputation of one man whom they fear.

To Dato’ Seri Anwar’s credit, the best agents BN could come up with for this task were individuals whose history of political flip-flopping raise serious questions about their credibility. Some are now raising objections that they had a moral and in some cases legal obligation to raise while inside KeADILan many years ago.

The timing of these statements that are continuously highlighted in the BN-owned media unfortunately raise serious questions as to each accuser’s motives and integrity. Charges that Dato’ Seri Anwar is anti or pro any particular ethnic group are also indicative of a BN that is unable to make up its mind. Umno insists that Dato’ Seri Anwar has become pro Chinese or Indian and anti Malay, while MCA, MIC, and Gerakan charge that he is pro Malay and anti Chinese or Indian.

These discrepancies clearly show that KeADILan is on the right track. If our opponents can simultaneously brand us as being both pro and anti Malay, Chinese or Indian, it conclusively shows that KeADILan is a party that is in fact anti-racism and pro-Malaysian.

I have known Dato’ Seri Anwar personally since he was a student in University Malaya during the period I was teaching there and can bear witness that whatever his choices throughout his political career, Dato’ Seri Anwar has consistently stood for the rights of the downtrodden and for integrity in public office.

The failure of BN to produce any more credible critics or criticism than the disgruntled few thus far produced is a clear indication that both Dato’ Seri Anwar and KeADILan, unlike BN leaders, have no skeletons in their closets and are offering a viable, dyanmic vision for a safer, more united and prosperous Malaysia.

Dr. Syed Husin Ali

Deputy PresidentParti Keadilan Rakyat