For many Malaysians witnessing the slander and persecution of Anwar Ibrahim, they see a major gap between their perception of the situation and the image potrayed by the media, police and also position taken by UMNO leaders. The allegations made against Anwar Ibrahim is simply so extreme and too sickening to be true. Many are beginning to wonder what makes many UMNO politicians, the police and media so willing to collude in this conspiracy orchestrated by prime minister Mahathir.
To understand the situation one must look at the culture of corruption, fear and intimidation that has become the tool of Mahathir's hegemony. Even as early as 1987 many UMNO members had known how Najib Tun Razak, who was then siding with Tengku Razaleigh, switched camp at the last minute. Najib was basically called in and all the evidence of his relationship with a woman that had been collected by Mahathir was presented and simply ordered to jump ship.
Many Anti Corruption Agency officers have privately revealed how what were considered strong cases of corruption involving politicians came to a halt when the investigation file on the case reaches Mahathir. He simply keeps the file to be used to intimidate and keep these politicians in line. An example is the case of a director of government agency. The ACA was so confident they had a strong case against the director that their officers assured the staff at the agency that the director's days are over. Instead, nothing happened when the file reached Mahathir. He's keeping it so that he can use it to force the director's wife, a prominent Wanita UMNO leader, to stay in line.
Another example is of course Rafidah Aziz. The evidence regarding her involvement, in fact outright instruction, in the awarding of shares to her son-in-law came out in the trial of a MITI officer and yet no action was ever taken against her. Seven other component party leaders are held in rein in the same manner. Samy Vellu will always support Mahathir because ACA investigation into his involvement in the awarding of Telekom shares to Maika found evidence of abuse. Yet Mahathir just set on the investigation file.
Other examples of diabolical methods used by Mahathir includes using money to pay people to make confessions. This is particularly efficiently executed by Daim Zainuddin and Megat Junid. This is the case in the claim of Anwar having sex with prostitutes and transvestites. The police will usually round up about a hundred of them and a process of bargaining and intimidation will take place to find a few that would be willing to admit having sex with Anwar. Even the former driver of Anwar and his personal secretary's sister who file a sworn affidavit that they were forced into making confessions have been the object of extensive harassment and intimidation. It won't be surprising if they change their story after being subjected to all this.
For businessmen, standing on the wrong side simply means being excluded from government contracts. This is particularly difficult for Malay businessmen who tend to rely heavily of government jobs. Some who backed Tengku Razaleigh in the 80s found themselves being harassed by banks and bankruptcy action taken against them.
Now, even Anwar's lawyers face harassment. The latest development is an attempt by Mahathir to buy Anwar's legal team. He has offered to Dr. Dass, the legal brain for this team, the post of a judge.
For UMNO leaders, opposing Mahathir is simply suicidal. There are those who side with Mahathir because they want to have a go for the deputy president post vacated after Anwar's expulsion from the party. Najib and Abdullah Badawi are both eyeing this post. Ghafar Baba is also keen to make a comeback. The impending general election also makes many MPs and menteri besars nervous. Siding with Anwar will mean their name will be excluded from the candidacy list for the next election. Syed Hamid Albar had this experience when he sided with Musa Hitam in the 80s. His name was excluded from the candidacy list. Those who dare to oppose are subjected to censure by the many eager yesmen produced by this "rice bowl" mindset of UMNO leaders. Those who have the guts to speak out against Mahathir find themselves thrown out of the party. It is expected that Zahid Hamidi will be next.
Several days before Anwar's sacking, Abdul Rahim Dahlan, one of his supporters was abducted by a special squad. Abdul Rahim Dahlan, is the president of the Ex-commando Association and also the leader of the expedition to the north pole. When he was released 6 days later he basically abandoned Anwar.
For those who seem more resistant to such pressures, outright death threat is used. This is the case with Dato Nallakarupan who was charged for illegal possession of 125 bullets under the ISA which carries the mandatory death sentence. Nalla communicated to his wife a day after his arrest that the police were trying to force him to admit being a middlemen between Anwar and prostitutes and for acting as an in-between in the sale of government secrets to foreign countries. The use of the death sentence on Nalla is a clear example of gross injustice because about a week later a retired airforce general who was caught for illegal possession of more than 600 rounds of bullets and several other weapons was only charged under the Firearms Act which carries a maximum jail sentence of only 7 years.
As for the media, we are all aware of the manner the managing editors of Utusan, Berita Harian and TV3 were removed. Since then Anwar has had no opportunity to present his case through the local media.
As for the Inspector General of Police and Attorney General, Mahathir used a two prong strategy. He created the story that Anwar has instructed the ACA to investigate corruption charges on both of them. At the same time, he handed a carrot to the IGP. Tan Sri Rahim Nor was actually due to retiring last June. In fact he had even been making farewell visits to other police chiefs in ASEAN. In early May, Mahathir announced that his service would be extended. This was unusual because the announcement was made before the King was informed. The appointment of the IGP requires the consent of the King. The King was informed of this appointment only about a week later. Of course there's also the cozy appointment to the board of director of companies owned by Mahathir's cronies after retirement to be thought about. The former IGP and AG were well rewarded for their loyalty to Mahathir. Some people even believe that Mahathir is holding some skeletons against the current IGP and AG to ensure their loyalty.
This explains the zealousness of the IGP in pursuing the case against Anwar. The tirades and derisions he has been making against Anwar only confirms this. Instead of impartially investigating the allegations against Anwar, he has gone to the extend of crucifying Anwar in public during press conferences. The manner the police has been used to frame Anwar has created a divided police force. Many officers believe they should not be used as tool in an internal party rivalry. In fact, one of the officers who investigated Anwar's case has resigned the force because he cannot stomach the lie and fabrication that he had to do.
Mahathir has created a ruling party and country that is governed by fear. All the instruments of government are just tools at his disposal. UMNO leaders, the police, AG department and newspaper editors are all ever fearfully protecting their rice bowl. The extend government machinery are manipulated, lies are fabricated, coercion and even death threats are being used is beyond the wildest imagination of many Malaysians. Yet this is what all Malaysians see unfolding before them. The extent of slander and fabrication made against Anwar is just too extreme for us to believe. Mahathir and his honchos have simply overdone it this time. Given their desperation and the extent they have gone to destroy Anwar, it should come as no surprise if they decide to assassinate him.
It is time Malaysians stand up against all this abuse. Make your voice heard by writing to your MPs. Spread this message. Print it and make copies of it for your colleagues, neighbours and friends. Participate in the rallies supporting Anwar. The issue is no longer about personalities. It is not about Anwar per se. If the deputy prime minister of a country can be subjected to all this abuse and injustice, imagine what can be done onto us ordinary citizens by all these crooked politicians. Supporting Anwar is about ensuring justice and a clean government for us and our children.
From “Justice For Anwar” Website