The title of this headline has nothing to do with the fact that Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz was re-admitted into the Cabinet of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government via backdoor despite having lost in the 15th General Election (GE15). Such shamelessness has become the norm in Malaysian politics.
Neither has it anything to do with his dismal performance as finance minister – a portfolio he held under two prime ministers (PMs) – before being made the International Trade and Industry Minister by Anwar under the current government.
Or the fact that Zafrul has recently been appointed to the UMNO supreme council where he has stated his intention to vie for a spot there during the upcoming party elections.
The decision somehow demonstrates his lack of political acumen – and by extension his intellect and moral judgement given how the party has been roundly rejected by the electorate, and more so after it joined forces with archnemesis, the DAP.
Why he should step down?
Tengku Zafrul should resign because he’s not in line with Anwar. There are three incidents to prove this:
The first is the alleged misappropriation of funds disbursed during the pandemic under the various stimulus and aid packages. Anwar has revealed that some RM300 mil had been misappropriated. As the finance minister then, Tengku Zafrul is a key figure in the scheme of things.
His current boss has now said that something is not quite right and there were suspicious leakages that has led to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probing into the saga.
The second reason why Zafrul should call it a day in the current Cabinet is the proposed tabling of the White Paper on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. While the medical aspects of the procurement did not fall under his jurisdiction during his MOF (Finance Ministry) days, billions of ringgit was involved in a process that involved the MOF’s oversight.
According to Anwar, the purchase was not made according to procedure, including no signing off by the Attorney-General (AG). Worse still, the then Government tapped into the National Trust Fund (KWAN) for the purchase which was supposed to be a kitty for future generations.
Thirdly, the Jana Wibawa scandal has implicated Tengku Zafrul. Berita Harian has reported that he is a suspect in the rural developmental project where RM5.7 bil has been disbursed. The programme started during the previous government whereby Tengku Zafrul was the finance minister.
These three incidents show a yawning disconnect between Tengku Zafrul and his boss Anwar. The latter has listed down a series of lapses where Tengku Zafrul is implicated – if not directly – then by association. In any organisation, the subordinate would have done the honourable thing by resigning to distance himself or herself from such damning allegations.
Besides, by not resigning – or at least taking leave – the authorities are unable to carry out their probes without fear or favour. This goes against the fundamental principle of good governance and that of politicians having not only to be clean but also be seen to be clean.
Even among thieves, there’s honour. But not in Malaysia where political expediency trumps integrity. – Thirumugam Muthusamy
PAS lowering Islam to the lowest low...
The picture of a group of young Malay Muslims in a warrior garb brandishing fake spears, swords and shields represents the lowest of the low for the future of Islam as a modern, dynamic and progressive force in society. Its leaders, like Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, could not even manage to provide a decent and well argued reason and rationale for this clear display of militancy that has now become the new branding of Parti Islam SeMalaysia.
Tuan Ibrahim’s rationale and poor explanation was that it is just like the Chinese opera where the characters and actors wield fake swords and kungfu spears. Aiyaaa Tuan Ibrahim, Chinese opera is an art form called stage acting, and its purpose is purely for entertainment.
The movie Rambo also uses fake guns, bazookas, rocket launchers and knives in the fighting scene. But it is just a movie and its purpose is entertainment! The display of militancy by the Terengganu PAS Youth is a political event, not a stage opera nor a movie scene. Itu pun tak tau perbezaankah?
If I were a PAS leader and I was asked for a commentary on this scene of young Malays carrying weapons and shields, I would have answered in the following way: “The purpose of the march by the Youth is to show solidarity and discipline in fighting for the cause of Islam in social, political and in militarily conflict. The Qur’an mentions the Muslims as a solid wall of defense against attacks on Islam.
“The brandishing of fake swords shows the symbol that the young would lay their lives for Islam in the tireless pursuit of Islamic justice for all mankind against any form of oppression, intolerance and injustice. “The march is also a reenactment of the Battle of Badr where Muslims faced a force three times its size but they triumphed because of their faith in Islam. “I see no reason for others to criticize us on how we wish to inspire our youth using our own religious traditions dating back to the Prophet’s time.” Macam itulah!
I am sure if someone in PAS were to give that kind of explanation, this matter would not be of concern any more. It is a symbolic gesture of struggle and strife for Islam. However, without any explanation or rationale given that can be accepted by the public at large, how can we fault Malaysians for fearing this scene as an act of Islamic extremism?
Is the message of the march related to fighting for the state elections in a more aggressive and militant manner? Is the march a warning to all Malaysians that PAS is considering street warfare style of election campaigning? Is the brandishing of weapons a symbol of the supremacy of PAS religious scholar-politicians above our Constitution in an Iran-style dictatorship? Are these the correct messages from the march?
For me, there are three messages to this article. The first is for PAS, the other is for Malaysians and the last is for the Malays.To PAS, my message is: do you believe in a shared Malaysia? If you don’t, then there is no place for you and the likes of you in this country. Please relocate yourself for citizenship in Afghanistan and fight your politics there!
My second message is to Malaysians. If Malaysians doubt the effectiveness and blessedness of the unity government forged by the YDP Agong and led by Anwar Ibrahim, please frame the picture of the PAS Youth brandishing weapon as a possible future for Malaysia. I am saddened by the many ill comments on the government and on people like Anwar, Nurul, Zahid and on political parties like Umno by well-meaning but kurang beradab Malaysians.
If the state elections swing to PN, the Youth march by PAS in Terengganu is the Future of Malaysia. Please remember that when you wish to criticize and derail the unity government. As the saying goes, we reap what we sow! For the Malays, my message is: is this the Islam you want? An Islam of dogma, blood and dictatorship by a group claiming they know better what Allah The Almighty wants for all of us?
We have the Madani Islam of Anwar Ibrahim that encourages compassion for all, innovation of ideas, a sustainable environment of clean living, a professional civil service and a corruption-free leadership. Apa lagi you mau? Total “Islamic dominance”? Do you not know that absolute power corrupts absolutely? Yes, even those who claim to be close to Allah. These so-called ulamaks or Officers of Islam would be the first to be corrupted because no one can check against them.
I hope that the middle class learn better what Islam stands for in a modern multifaith society and get their their heads out of the surau or masjid mindset and start widening the sources of spiritual knowledge. Studying from one source is no longer viable. For Institutional Islam that governs the writing of the Khutbah, if the Talibanization of Malaysia takes root by PAS, believe me the first power to go and be eliminated will be Institutional Islam.
We have seen how PAS jostled with Institutional Islam in the Bon Odori issue and others, and they have lost every time. PAS will not hesitate to place their ulamaks above and beyond the influence of Institutional Islam. The “Day of Judgement” for Malaysia has come. The question is: where will you stand in this firestorm of hate and mistrust? - Prof.Dr.Ahmad Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi
cheers.
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