Is PKR's Loss In Ijok A Rejection Of Anwar?

Apparently the Prime Minister thinks so, when he said that the Barisan Nasional victory in the Ijok state by-election today proves that the people reject Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and its adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "PKR had attempted to use Ijok as a model to show that the people wanted a change and would go for the opposition as the alternative but they were disappointed because the BN remained the people's choice," Pak Lah added.

One cannot easily refute his conclusion and nor can one begrudge him his confidence in the BN. The ruling party has won and the verdict given by the people of Ijok is there for everyone to see. All that remains is for those involved and interested to ask what had happened to the expected Keadilan onslaught. Over the next few days we can expect various 'analyses' on this subject to be plastered all over the media. Strangely, despite being researched and evaluated by 'experts' in the field, as usual there will be diametrically opposed findings.

As for Anwar Ibrahim, I don't think that he should be written-off so quickly. History is replete with examples of sensational comebacks from situations of extreme despondency and hopelessness. And realistically he is nowhere near the precipice yet. The fact that the entire Barisan leadership was shaken to the core by the presence of Anwar in Ijok, not to mention the fear, trepidation and sleepless nights his speeches caused is a reflection of the influence and respect that he still enjoys among large sections of the population.

Anwar as a leader and as a person is too big to be vanquished by a small setback such as the Ijok by-election result. If there is to be good governance in future by the Barisan, we must have a strong counterweight to their power. In the personality based politics of Malaysia, that role at present can only be filled by Anwar. Not even Dr Mahathir at this point in time can effectively play that part. Whatever said and done, despite any misgivings about Anwar's actions while in government, in the eyes of the non-Malays he is still a leader who is respected and largely acceptable. For the Malays he is a rallying point for those unhappy or disappointed with Umno's misdeeds. That itself makes him unique in the Malaysian political scene.

On the upside even after winning in Ijok, the BN will never take for granted that future elections will have an equally happy ending. They will look behind their backs and to the left and right to see if Anwar Ibrahim is watching and wonder what the charismatic leader's next move will be. Our best guarantee of seeing an honest and transparent BN government is their constant fear of being checkmated in this continuing game of political chess.

Read here the Bernama report on Pak Lah's statements: BN Victory In Ijok Proof People Reject Anwar, PKR, Says PM.
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