PKR man’s praise for Ismail Sabri a dig at Anwar, says analyst

However, Azmi Hassan says the political scenario during Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s time as prime minister was different.

(FMT) – A political analyst has described PKR MP Hassan Karim’s praise for former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as a veiled dig at Ismail’s successor, Anwar Ibrahim.

National Professors Council fellow Azmi Hassan said the Pasir Gudang MP has been outspoken against his own party president, Anwar, on various issues, particularly the slow pace of reforms by the government.

Azmi pointed out that Hassan’s praise for Ismail included his administration’s move to distribute equal funds to MPs, which Anwar’s unity government has yet to do.

“This reflects the difference in leadership styles between Ismail and Anwar.

“However, the reality is that the political scenario during Ismail’s time as prime minister and Anwar’s (prime ministership) is very different. It’s hard to compare the situation then and now,” he told FMT.

Two days ago, Hassan released a statement filled with praise for Ismail, Malaysia’s ninth prime minister, saying among other things that the former Umno vice-president was fair in his dealings with opposition MPs.

He said this reflected Ismail’s character as a trained lawyer who always sought justice.

Perikatan Nasional is still discussing whether to accept the proposed conditions under a draft memorandum of understanding with the government. The opposition coalition will meet its MPs on the matter on Monday.

PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said there were “strange conditions” in the draft MoU, including a requirement that opposition MPs declare their assets and pledge support for the government until the end of the parliamentary term.

Lau Zhe Wei of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) agreed with Azmi that the political realities were different then and now, saying Ismail needed the backing of the opposition to ensure stability in leading the country.

“If (Ismail) did not obtain the support of the opposition, imagine what would have happened if Bersatu and PAS suddenly decided to withdraw their support for him.

“Any leader in that position would have (been quick to sign a deal with the opposition and give equal allocations) to maintain the government,” he said.