NONEOpposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim should exhibit his leadership by not resorting to chaotic means, such as demonstrations, to take power in the coming general election, Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said today.

“I understand that Anwar is not someone who is so taksub (obsessed) with the use of force.

“He should show his leadership. Gentleman’s game is the order of the day,” Rais told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Rais said this, agreeing with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the April 28 Bersih 3.0 rally was a precursor to a bigger rally by Pakatan Rakyat, should the opposition pact lose the next general election.


Mahathir had claimed that a Pakatan defeat in the coming general election would be followed by violent demonstrations in an attempt to forcibly wrest Putrajaya, a theory that Deputy Prime Minister’s Muhyiddin Yassin supported yesterday.

“If they (Pakatan) lose, this is their tactic, but as an old practitioner of politics, (I know) these tactics will not last,” Rais said, adding that only rational tactics without threats or force would last.

 
NONEHe denounced the demonstration as a “copycat” of the Arab Spring demonstrations, when, as an independent country, Malaysia should cast its own political culture.

“We must use rationality in achieving power and influence in a democracy. Whoever is chosen by the rakyat, will be the one to lead our country,” Rais said.

He dismissed the opposition for taking for granted the legislative amendments passed by Parliament, and further criticised them for pressing the issue of electoral reform.

“How did they win Penang, Kelantan? How did they win Selangor, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur?

“We should not lie in presenting facts or abuse any news,” Rais added.

Asked for his views on the 50,000-strong crowd at the weekend PAS rally in Kedah, Rais refused to comment.- malaysiakini