Anwar's release shows Malaysia's ability to cope with change
Anwar's release shows Malaysia's ability to cope with change
Karim Raslan, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia
The release of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and
the forthcoming presidential run-off in Indonesia between Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono and Megawati Soekarnoputri are important and
positive milestones for Southeast Asia.
The region has finally emerged from the gloom and political
uncertainty of the 1997 financial crisis. We are back in the
running again!
Moreover, Southeast Asia is not the Middle East.
The region's two largest majority Muslim societies -- Malaysia
and Indonesia -- have shown that the tilt towards
authoritarianism and repression can be reversed, and that
extremism is of limited popular appeal.
At the same time, the region is re-establishing itself as an
attractive and dynamic destination for inward investment and
business.
While China and India are full of potential, it's arguable
that Southeast Asia, having endured seven years of turmoil, is
better prepared to cope with globalization's future challenges.
In essence, we have shown our inherent resilience and
moderation, as well as our ability to cope with change.
Getting here has not been easy.
We have been lucky that in the aftermath of Sept. 11, U.S.
policy-makers have only viewed Southeast Asia as the "Second
Front" of the War on Terror.
Had we been the "First Front", our lives would have been
horribly endangered by the blustering global "thug" that America
under George W. Bush has become.
Indeed, had we attracted the same kind of heavy-handed, if
well-intentioned, attention as the Middle East, our region might
well be in shambles today.
Instead, we have been able to craft our own responses to the
socio-economic challenges facing us -- drawing on the advice and
experiences of those from outside the region when and where we
wanted.
Malaysia and Indonesia have been fortunate in terms of their
leaders. For all her faults (and there are many), President
Megawati has shown a rare patience and forbearance.
Realizing the importance of reconciliation, she has resisted
the impulse to go on an anti-Soeharto witch-hunt. She has
provided her vast nation with a rock-solid center around which to
rebuild its institutions.
Having said that, her impenetrable silences, limited
intellectual ability and lack of vision have prevented Indonesia
from progressing further. In essence, she has consolidated the
democratic gains of the Reformasi Era while failing to address
weaknesses in terms of governance and corruption. Should Susilo
win in September, Indonesia will soar.
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi possesses the
same quiet confidence as Megawati. However, his commitment to
reform, his adroit political skills and his principled vision far
outshine the diffident lady president.
Abdullah understood from day one that Malaysia needed to
resolve the dilemma posed by Anwar's continued detention.
In allowing the legal process to move ahead unimpeded, the
Prime Minister effectively signaled two things: firstly, the
importance of his reform agenda -- especially the independence of
the judiciary -- and secondly, closure to a series of tragic
events that nearly overwhelmed the nation six years earlier.
Still, internal reforms had to be built from the ground
upwards. Unlike Anwar, whose flashy and pleasant-sounding
rhetorical flourishes enthralled Malaysians in the mid-90s, Pak
Lah has worked diligently both to communicate his message and
implement change.
He has endeavored to ensure that the country understands the
value of his campaign against corruption and crony capitalism. At
the same time, he has stepped away from the divisiveness of the
post Sept. 11 era.
Instead of asserting his Islamic credentials above all else in
an exclusionary and superior manner, he has actively reached out
to Christian congregations, Chinese associations and non-Muslim
Sabahans and Sarawakians.
He has also expanded his aim to address gender rights in a bid
to promote the interests of women.
Abdullah has worked on the "buy-in". He doesn't want to
alienate potential supporters. He has patiently won over the more
resistant and conservative sections of Malaysian society such as
the police, the civil service and Umno's elite using his strong
electoral victory earlier this year as an endorsement of his
vision.
At the same time, Anwar must remember that his future is less
important than the nation's.
While we feel for him and his lost years, he must recognize
that the country wants him to play his role in public life with
the same professionalism and responsibility displayed by the
Prime Minister. He must respect societys deeply rooted desire for
stability and moderation.
Malaysians have tired of autocrats. We no longer want to be
berated and lectured at. We want leaders who are straight-
dealing, honest and principled.
Street protests and demagoguery are also a thing of the past.
We recoil from those who use race and religion to push their
private ambition.
As Malaysians digest the startling political turn-around in
Anwar's fortunes, it is important that we also prepare ourselves
for the future. We will enjoy a small window of opportunity
economically.
We must use the chance to drive ASEAN integration and ensure
that we remain relevant to international business for the future.
After six years of politicking, it is time for the politicians
to step back. For the next few years, they must play second
fiddle to the businessmen and economists.
As a nation we must seize the initiative, embrace the regional
agenda and forge ahead!