What if Wan Azizah becomes MB?

The repercussions would be so great as to change the course of Malaysian politics permanently.

COMMENT

By Iskandar Dzulkarnain

Malaysians, and not just Selangorians, are waiting with bated breath for the biggest news to hit the nation in recent times. Who will be the next Menteri Besar of Malaysia’s richest state?

Despite all the half-baked census, many people secretly harbour the wish that Wan Azizah should be given the coveted post, but sadly she has only a 33% chance. With so many negative vibes in the last few days that the post would go to a man, it may be even less.

If PAS’ Iskandar Samad or his deputy is picked for the post, not only would it put the party on a direct collision course with PKR and DAP, it will also be short-lived and will spell the beginning of the end for the formidable alliance, which managed to attain an unbelievable 52% of the popular votes in last year’s general election.

Such a move would not only rile the public, but it would put PAS in a bad light for attaining power through the back door. The public would once again be reminded of past attempts by renegade Hassan Ali and his henchmen to wrest the Selangor government by trying to form an alternative unity government.

And if Azmin Ali gets the coveted post, it will be an anti-climax, with many of us shaking our heads in disbelief and discontentment. Contrary to all the negative criticism, Azmin is perfectly qualified for the post, but many people feel that he is slated for bigger things if he is patient enough to stick around and bide his time.

However, if Wan Azizah gets the post, a new page will be written in the book of Malaysian political history. The repercussions would be so great as to change the course of Malaysian politics permanently.

Not only would her ascension to the post be a gigantic boost for women in this country, it would open the doors for them to compete on an equal footing with men. It would inspire women to come out of the closet and take their rightful place among men. No longer will they want to play second fiddle, remain complacent or ignore their rights as an equal partner in crucial decision making. It will become a giant step for women’s emancipation in this country.

With Selangor in the hands of this woman, there is the general belief that all the hanky panky in the state may come to an end. Corruption may cease and grind to a halt simply because greedy connivers would have to deal with a squeaky clean woman CEO who would not entertain any form of graft.

In short Selangor could set the precedent of a clean CAT government that will be emulated by other states in the future. That is of course bad news for the cronies and opportunists who are used to milking the richest state to feed their greed. They cannot afford to stand helpless, unable to lift a hand and watch in silence as the golden opportunities slip by. That is why it is so vital for them to try to deny Wan Azizah this opportunity to helm the state.

If she were appointed to the post, it would boost PKR’s and DAP’s image as moderate and democratic parties to new heights. And there are some quarters that are keen to prevent the two parties from gaining any more popularity.

Unlike other women leaders, Wan Azizah has managed to attain an untainted reputation in politics. She comes across as a cool, quiet and respectable no-nonsense leader who will not bend with the wind to the temptation of graft and corruption. She is currently the PKR President and MP for Kajang, making her more than qualified for the job.

If God wills that she gets the job after all, it may serve as a stepping stone for her to be the next in line for the prime ministership of Malaysia. That is, if Pakatan Rakyat secures the mandate in the next election and Anwar Ibrahim is hindered again.

If such a stroke of fate puts her in the PM’s office, Malaysia could well be on its way to face the 21st century with the Buku Jingga in tow. It has everything that will ensure that the nation undergoes unhindered growth and unimpeded development.

But if such a scenario should ever come to pass, would there be the PAS President again to holler in protest, that endorsing her for the PM’s post would be a grave mistake and akin to dragging PAS members to hell?

Iskandar Dzulkarnain is an FMT reader