PM4 & PM7 : STILL THE SAME MAN?

Tun M made PM twice. The first time was between 1981 and 2003. And now.

He became the PM the first time when he was 56, an age when people have really matured but still with the vigour and energy to get the job done. Not to mention, the mental capacity for such a demanding job.

Tun M undoubtedly brought many changes in the 22 years he was in charge; mostly good to the casual observer; to the country. The most visible ones are the KLCC, Sepang International Circuit and the F1 races, and Putrajaya.

He coined the Vision 2020 initiative that is about a year and a bit more away to transform Malaysia into a developed country. And the people were swathed by a feel good factor that most are content with what they had; even when salaries were at third world rates.

Exactly after 30 days PH won the GE14 and he was sworn in as PM the second time, is the Tun M of 1981 till 2003 the same man as the one we are looking at now?

As PM4

As PM4 Tun M was leading the government with the support of BN, spearheaded by UMNO. Despite comprising of  up to 14 different political parties at one point, consensus on policies is of prime importance to the coalition so that the needs of the people are met equally and justifiably.

With a strong and huge backing from leaders of the component parties, he was able to bulldoze policies and projects he wished. Perspectively, it seemed that a single man was running the country based on his visions and ideas.

And for 22 years, Malaysians saw as if the development of the country never stops, and the people  (mostly), rooted for him. He was very vocal of other countrys’ foreign policies when they didn’t suit his taste and was called a variety of names by foreign leaders.

He was seen as the fighter for the less developed world. He was the country’s guide towards the future without the country really going anywhere, but the people do get by in the days without internet and unbridled social media.

A majority of Malaysians seemed happy and are comfortable in their own skin, wherever they go.

As PM7

Today is exactly 30 days after Tun M was sworn in as PM7 on 10 May 2018. By his actions and decisions, do we really think he is the same man who stepped down from the same post 15 years ago?

Casual observation; meaning all information are collected from mainstream and official media, be it electronic or traditional; revealed that at 92 going to 93, he was not totally the same man who first climbed the PM post in 1981. The only similarity is the brutality he wields on his nemesis; either internal or external.
The treatment he administer to them now and then is very intrusive and invasive. Ops Lalang and the Memali incident are only two of documented examples of his method that were much discussed about after his previous tenure.

But more importantly, his current PH led government treatment of former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak and family is not only to show that his resolve for retribution is unwavering but also to cover up something deeper. Why not use a single stone to kill two birds when you can.

Taint DSN and family image and put a lid on the real goings on within the PH pack.

When Tun M was PM4 for 22 years, he had full support of the BN coalition parties. They were single minded in objectives and policies, he had an easier time doing his job.

Tun M who is now PM7; and self-proclaimed PH Top Dog; has three other member parties who have different goals, agenda and policies in the government. And as the leader of a lesser strength party, he has to practise give and take to appease the others.

This is actually unfamiliar ground for Tun M, yes, he practised give and take while he was BN chief but the coalition parties are at one in terms of objectives and policies. The current pact he so-called leads has goals and policies so different from each other that inevitably, the stronger (the ones with the most seats, his PPBM only have 13 seats) will want to flex their muscles to gain superiority albeit behind drawn curtains.

Tun M was thrust as the PM candidate because PH needed a poster boy during GE14 campaigning. He had the experience, aura and wit to give the pact an image of trustworthiness and capability when all they had for ammunition was half truths, deception and slander to offer voters.

Yes, PH campaign promises was only vapour ware. Yet voters took it hook, line and sinker!

 So, don’t be surprised or excited when one or two cabinet ministers whisper something to Tun M’s ear mid speech or PC. Something surely did not go their way and the PM needs to be corrected; heck this is Malaysia Baru with Tabung Harapan as the main thrust for revenue!

Now, Tun M may be the Top Dog, but who is the real Alpha Male in the PH pack?

p/s Got to find Running with the Pack - Bad Company