A refreshing article on the outlook of Anwar Ibrahim reformist movement by someone outside the political circle observing the ‘battle’ between BN vs PKR
By Colum Murphy
September 2008
Whether Anwar Ibrahim becomes Malaysia’s next prime minister or not, Malaysians are already seeing the benefits of political competition as entrenched parties are forced to rethink policies
After waiting a decade to re-enter parliament, Anwar Ibrahim is in a hurry to be Malaysia’s next prime minister. Fresh from his impressive victory in the Aug. 26 by-election in Permatang Pauh in the state of Penang—where he won two-thirds of some 47,000 votes cast—the 61-year-old former deputy prime minister has set Sept. 16 as a target for grabbing power from Prime Minister Abdullah Badawai and his ruling coalition, Barisan National.
Few expect him to meet this ambitious deadline. Yet with a bit more time, Mr. Anwar’s quest is within the realm of the possible. The consequences of such a historic achievement have a far-reaching impact on Malaysian society—the United Malays National Organization has enjoyed a 50-year stranglehold on power.
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