Is Anyone In?

Nowadays the Barisan coalition is so preoccupied with their political survival, many Malaysians are beginning to wonder who is in fact in charge of the federal government. The PM should, but many people are saying that Najib is just flip-flopping his way around.

For example, as recently as early July, Najib had promised the organisers of Bersih 2 rally the use of a stadium of their choice to hold their rally calling for clean and fair elections instead of taking to the streets but reneged as soon as the organisers agreed.

And recently as a result of persistent allegations of serious irregularities in the Malaysian electoral roll, PM Najib proposed the formation of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the matter, saying at the same time that he himself wouldn't want to be the PM if the Barisan coalition won the general election only because of irregularities in the electoral roll.

But as soon as his deputy Muhyiddin came out to say that there was effectively nothing wrong with the Malaysian electoral roll, Najib himself came out to say that general election might be called anytime. This has led many to question whether Najib is really sincere about the PSC because if the general election is called before the PSC has done its work what is the use?

In fact, many have said that Najib has been flip-flopping ever since he first became the Prime Minister in 2009. When he first assumed the office, Najib came out with the 1Malaysia campaign. Many Malaysians were taken in by the catchy 1Malaysia slogan and were willing to help the campaign along since it was all for a good purpose to make all Malaysians, irrespective of race, to think of themselves first as Malaysians and thereby to help to unite the nation.

However no sooner had the campaign been launched in great fanfare, then Muhyiddin declared himself first, as a Malay and then only a Malaysian, thus giving the lie as to whether the Najib administration was really serious about 1Malaysia campaign. This especially when instead of rebuking his deputy, Najib tried to defend him.

As a result, the 1Malaysia campaign is now as dead as the dodo although the slogan continues to be flogged by the government for whatever it is worth.

Some say that Najib is only good at spouting acronyms like the much vaunted ETPs (Economic Transformation Plans or Programmes). But many say the the ETPs are just hot air without substance. And it does appear that this is so, because the average rakyat does not feel or enjoy any of their salubrious effects, if any.

In fact, the average Malaysian is feeling the effects of a rising cost of living.

Some say that the baggage Najib carried with him when he became the Prime Minister has crippled his leadership. His alleged connection or link as the then defence minister to the scandals-tainted purchase of two French Scorpene submarines that could not dive but that cost Malaysians several billions Ringgit and the death of a Mongolian beauty.

Some also say that his wife's alleged penchant for lavish spending does not help, especially the recent allegation of a purchase of a RM24 Million diamond ring which the couple have now denied.

So, is anyone in?