[COLUMNIST] A man the nation needs or deserves: Only time will tell

KUALA LUMPUR: In a world where the political landscape is filled with unexpected twists and turns, Malaysia's own saga continues to be a spectacle that captivates the nation and the world.

TIME magazine's portrayal of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the valiant saviour of Malaysia's democracy riding into the sunset on a white horse while battling Islamic supremacists, a wobbly economy, and the ghost of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's corruption is indeed a compelling narrative.

Yet, like any good drama, this story deserves further dissection to understand the complexities and challenges that lie beneath the surface.

Anwar's journey through Malaysian politics has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a student leader to his transformation into a government insider and subsequently the 'Reformasi champion,' it's hard to keep track of his evolution.

One has to admire his resilience in the face of repression, accusations and the many obstacles that have tested his mettle.

Now, as the Prime Minister, the nation eagerly awaits the fulfillment of promises. One year into his term, many are still waiting for that magic wand to wave away economic troubles and political polariation.

The path to progress in a diverse and complex nation like Malaysia is paved with challenges, and Anwar's leadership is no exception.

Anwar's stance on the global struggle between democracy and autocracy is idealistic, emphasising the need to "maintain the centrality of ASEAN". While this vision is admirable, it is crucial to acknowledge that ASEAN summits often resemble corporate retreats rather than dynamic forums for action. Balancing regional interests and power dynamics is no small feat.

One of Anwar's most impressive achievements has been his diplomatic balancing act between two global superpowers, the US and China. Recognising China's importance as a neighbour while addressing disputes in the South China Sea is a nuanced task.

At the same time, Anwar is positioning the US as a "long-time ally and friend" while making decisions such as inviting Huawei to the 5G party. This delicate balancing act shows Anwar's diplomatic finesse.

Anwar's to-do list for the coming years includes the daunting task of tackling corruption and systemic plunder. This is indeed a noble goal, but in the realm of Malaysian politics, saying no to corruption is easier said than done.

The scars of the 1MDB scandal are a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges that corruption poses to the nation's progress.

As for his legacy, Anwar's aspiration to be remembered as the "man from the village" who "meant well" is humble, but some might argue, rather vague. Achieving meaningful change requires more than good intentions; it demands clear policies, strategic planning, and effective execution.

In conclusion, TIME's portrayal of Anwar Ibrahim as the enigmatic Malaysian Prime Minister with a flair for diplomacy, a penchant for evasion, and a knack for vague aspirations is both intriguing and thought-provoking. Malaysia's democracy may be in need of saving, but the question remains: is Anwar the hero it deserves?

The challenges are substantial; the Ringgit is struggling to stay afloat, the prices of basic goods are skyrocketing, and subsidies meant to benefit the people have faced setbacks. Some people are earning more, but their purchasing power is being eroded by rising costs.

The future remains uncertain, and whether Anwar is the Prime Minister Malaysia needs right now or the one it truly deserves is a question that will continue to resonate for ages to come.

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* Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Tawfek was an assistant to Federal ministers in formulating economic, youth and foreign policies for Malaysia.

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.