ATONLINE Interviews ANWAR IBRAHIM: Race Based POLITICS Obsolete; PERSONAL Dispute in PM & EX-PM Clash; Abdullah:NO Political WILL to INITIATE CHANGE
It is fashionable to conduct interviews with "busy people" on the move. In a recent e-mail interview with Asia Times Online
KUALA LUMPUR - Former Malaysian deputy prime minister and finance minister Anwar Ibrahim is on the political offensive. Nearly two years after his early release from six years in prison on trumped-up corruption and sodomy charges, he now represents the biggest opposition threat to
Once groomed as former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's successor, Anwar, now 58, has spread his wings widely since his 2004 release, serving as an academic fellow at the
Throughout, Anwar has presented himself as the cool, rational voice of moderate Islam, and his name is now frequently mentioned as a possible successor to outgoing United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. Although his candidacy has not been launched formally, Anwar is believed to have support in Europe and close ties with several senior US political figures, including World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz and former US trade representative and deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick.
ATol: How and why in your opinion would you represent a better political choice than the incumbent UMNO-led government? What would you handle differently and what specific political, economic and social policies would you enact toward that end?
Anwar: I believe that the opposition, particularly [Partai] Keadilan [Sejahtera], would be able to offer a new brand of politics in
the present challenges.
First, we are committed to democratic renewal - abolishing draconian laws such as the ISA [Internal Security Act], enhancing the role of parliament, restoring the independence of the judiciary and freeing up the media. Secondly, we are committed to a new economic agenda – one that takes a non-racial approach towards enhancing economic competitiveness and alleviating poverty for all Malaysians.
ATol: How do you reconcile your moderate Muslim image with your affiliation with the Islamic fundamentalist PAS [Parti Islam SeMalaysia, or Islamic Party of
Anwar: Yes, PAS is a political party based on Islamic ideals. Yet what many people fail to appreciate is that it has been operating faithfully within the democratic framework for over 50 years, in spite of undue pressures exerted to its participation by the BN government.
There are things [on] which I do not agree with PAS, but in my engagement with them I am confident that we can work on a minimum set of programs that are in tandem with Keadilan's ideals.
When I was arrested under the ISA for the first time, it was because I protested against the poverty and economic deprivation of the rural folk in Baling, Kedah. My commitment to Islam has always been consistent - as a source of an ethical framework for
ATol: What is your assessment of Abdullah Badawi's government? Has he lived up to his reform promise and, if not, what do you see as the more glaring discrepancies in his government's actions? What are your thoughts on the Mahathir versus Abdullah row? Do internal UMNO disputes provide you with a valuable political opening? Any plans to
politically exploit the widening row?
Anwar: Undoubtedly Abdullah's big victory in the 2004 elections was partly due to the fact that he campaigned on eradicating corruption and enhancing accountability. While there have been some changes - eg, in the freer democratic space, less interference in the judiciary – I think overall Abdullah has failed to fulfill his pledge. There seems
to be a lot of intent, but not so much political will in initiating change within UMNO. A lot of people have been disappointed, and Mahathir is exploiting on this. Personally, I view this clash as a personal dispute, as it seems ironic that Mahathir is talking about strong opposition, free press and accountability when it was he who destroyed all that during his rule. I believe that this has allowed the people to see our consistent commitment to reform more clearly, and hopefully they will give us the opportunity to implement it.
ATol: Looking back at your time in detention, what realizations did you come to while in prison about
Anwar: Even when I was back in UMNO, I was committed towards combating corruption and promoting freedom. But when in prison, it made me realize that I underestimated the force of the vested interests that are committed to derail reform.
The problem with UMNO is that it has been in power for so long, and that it relies on racial politics as its strength. At times, this requires it to stir racial emotions for the sake of political expediency, but at the expense of the country.
ATol: Your name has recently been bandied about as a possible candidate to succeed Kofi Annan as United Nations secretary general. Any truth to those rumors, and if so, how will you campaign? Did you broach this idea with your contacts in
call for a moderate and modern Muslim leader to take the UN secretary-general post. Are you that candidate? Why or why not?
Anwar: I have [made] some comments to that effect ... The problem is that the discussion involves presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers. The discussion has been going on for the past six months, more serious now with non-governmental organizations and the UN apparatuses - across the world. So I don't think it's polite to be so dismissive in rejecting the option. Most of them asked me to give it serious thought, or at least to consider the option.
To my colleagues here in the Keadilan and the opposition I have stated that my commitment is here. They asked, why don't I state a categoric rejection or denial? I told them I don't think that would be polite. I am not saying that it would be easy for me [to get the UN post] in the event I choose to run, but I think it is a serious proposition. But in the discussion with party leaders, I have made it clear that I am ready to work here.
ATol: What are your thoughts on the unfolding events in the Middle East, including the spiraling Israel-Lebanon conflict, the
Anwar: It is disgraceful that the
This will only serve to infuriate Muslim opinion even more. The few Arab countries that the
This is really unfortunate, because historically the
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