Another War Of Words
DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang said that Dr M is “playing for very high stakes”. But Najib seems to have a well-thought-plan. He did not fight back the criticisms, or directly declare his stand.
By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily
Two weeks ago, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad strongly praised present Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for willing to acquire with an open mind. He then predicted that Najib will bring changes to the country.
One week ago, Dr M was still praising Najib’s new cabinet: “I think Najib did very well by dropping most of the people who are accused of corruption, although one or two somehow or other slipped in.”
However, he came out with a series of “harsh” words today. It seems like he is putting pressure on Najib.
| "But Najib seems to have a well-thought-plan. He did not fight back the criticisms, or directly declare his stand." |
Dr M again talked about the “Scenic Bridge” project. He said: “Does the Government need to ask Singapore for permission to build the now desirable crooked bridge? Is Malaysia free to do things in its own territory? Are we really independent? I wonder.”
Dr M insisted that BN should be fighting for its dignity. It should not withdraw from contesting the Penanti by-election, allowing Pakatan Rakyat to win hands down.
Dr M as well critised Najib’s cabinet. He pointed out that Najib has taken in a number of “unsavoury characters who had been accused of being corrupt while in the previous government”, showing that Najib has negated any desire to rid Umno of blatantly corrupt politicians.
Shortly after his return to UMNO, Dr M has started to frequently “say no” to Najib, who has taken the office for less than a month. Is this what we called “good advice jars on the ear” or is it showing us that the honeymoon period of the former and present Prime Ministers has been reaching the end and they start to face new challenges?
It is not surprising at all as Dr M’s personal independence of conduct has been widely known. But this time, he changed too quickly, making it thought-provoking about the reasons and impacts behind it.
DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang said that Dr M is “playing for very high stakes”. But Najib seems to have a well-thought-plan. He did not fight back the criticisms, or directly declare his stand.
Nevertheless, Najib’s recent remarks were though-provoking. In his blog, a post entitled “8 Values of 1 Malaysia – Part 5: Loyalty”, he said: “Yes I think gone are the days when loyalty should be misconstrued as blind faith, or as having a carte blanche in terms of personal relationship, that you can do whatever you like, and you get away with it.”
The above remarks could easily lead people to relate it to someone. Or it might be interpreted as his “indirect response” to other’s concern of the “possibility of the return of Mahathirism behind the scene”.
On the other hand, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (Dr M described him as unfit for a cabinet post) could not stand any longer and made a drastic response. Nazri said Dr M is childish and lame. He criticised Dr M as a racist. He even derided Dr M by asking him to better stay at home as the people no longer like him.
It appears that the war of words is getting more and more interesting. It will sure continue to drag the people’s attenton.
