If we were to put this round of elections into sporting terms, ‘the World Cup final’ springs to mind. The anticipation and hype built towards it mirror that of a Spain v Brazil match: be it the intensity, controversy surrounding it or the anxiety. The only aspect lacking in the latter is the spectators determining the outcome. Football enthusiasts, at their very best, can only pull off Mexican waves, put on their national jerseys and blow the vuvuzela. Malaysians, at their very least, only need to show up at a secondary school come polling day, cast their ballots and see if Prime Minister-designate Mr Anwar Ibrahim could dethrone the incumbent cum rival Mr Najib Razak.
Rivalry could be an understatement. The two heavyweights go far beyond a typical football rivalry. They both spearhead coalitions boasting memberships of millions. Their followers, aplenty. Be it on the ground or the realm of social media, both receive the most verbal or social media mentions in the country every day. In terms of the latter, Facebook and Twitter are increasingly utilized as their tools to connect with urbanites and young ones. Subscription to their timelines and whatnot comes in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, effortlessly escalating local celebrities or the likes of Lee Chong Wei and Nicol David.
Figures aside, the aura of invincibility which both commands in their respective coalitions represents their political longevity. One was appointed Chief Minister of Pahang at the age of 29, cabinet minister at 32 and never looked back since. He is now the face of our country, with images and portrays on every other lamppost or billboard. Some would dismiss such successes as owing to hereditary roots, but one would rarely make it this far in politics without individual brilliances. He emerged from his father’s shadows from a very young age and went on to create a distinct identity, and potentially a lasting legacy for himself. He would later on introduce the New Economic Model and a host of transformation programmes, modeled to replace his father’s New Economic Policy. On the surface they are already bold moves, and running contrary to hereditary roots would only add further points. However, these are instantly negated by his spouse, an extravagant modern day socialite. Synonymous to Birkin handbags and diamonds, she represents a new bred of Malaysians who manage their savings well.
The other, would not be deterred by his humbling background. Despite not having political ties, he carved and grinded his way towards the deputy prime ministerial office through sheer charisma, grit and character. Earlier on in 1983, the founding leader of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia had only joined UMNO for a year and already assuming a ministerial portfolio. After 3 subsequent portfolio changes, which include the Education and Finance Ministry, it speak tremendously of his diverse knowledge and credentials, and certainly enough to make him a PM-designate. Sodomy allegations leveled against him later on backfired, propelling the formation of a new movement: ‘Reformasi’. It brought activists and intellects together, with the movement remaining steadfast after a decade and a half. Reformation calls haven’t been louder, and to them, it is now or never.
Both remain near-to-invulnerable leaders within their parties despite one with a murder allegation and the other, allegations of sex, sex and sex. Neither are they facing internal dissent or sabotages, much to the contrary of Najib’s predecessor. This paved the way for both to totally commit and focus in preparing for what is billed the tightest election in Malaysian history.
Such contrasting backgrounds, yet such similar successes. The different paths they took eventually pitched them back into the political battle arena.
The only thing eluding Malaysians in the run up to this battle is a debate between both. Najib acknowledges very well that the other, with his charismatic speeches and pragmatic approaches, is undefeatable on any given day. You can call it evasive, but this is part and parcel of politics. One would not play to their opponent’s strengths, or rather, an intelligent politician wouldn’t.
Anwar said this would be his last run for the podium, and by podium, he meant the gold, for there is only one winner in politics. His counterpart isn’t too bothered if it was his last run. A defeat for him here would be unprecedented and historical. To be toppled after 55 years is a bitter pill to swallow, and the repercussions are so much more than the reluctant shift towards the opposition bench. The opponent had promised the revelation and investigation of grafts, leakages or any mismanagement and subsequently the prosecution of the corrupted once they helm the throne. The likes of Taib Mahmud and Musa Aman would no longer be able to add to their coffers, and their appearances in court are guaranteed.
The stakes are high, and a hefty reward awaits the winner: “Prime Ministerial-ship”, a prized title begging to be assumed. Najib and Anwar, one would jubilate in his victory speech, and the other, a curtain call. Let the slugfest begin.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
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