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Globetrotting does little to boost credibility, Anwar told

The prime minister has been on a slew of international trips of late, but there are more pressing issues back home, say critics.

MalaysiaNow
3 minute read
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Anwar Ibrahim takes a stroll outside his hotel during his recent visit to Brussels.
Anwar Ibrahim takes a stroll outside his hotel during his recent visit to Brussels.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's series of overseas trips since taking office has been described as "outdated" by his former political secretary, saying the tactic is unlikely to build his reputation as a national leader.

Ezam Nor, who was one of Anwar's closest aides, said the prime minister's strategy dated back to his time in the administration of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, before his sacking in 1998.

"Anyone who has followed Anwar's modus operandi of gaining popularity will be able to read the pattern of this unchanging trend," he said.

"Every time he goes overseas, he comes back and sells his stories of meeting with famous leaders at the international level in order to boost his image."

Anwar's latest tour covered several European countries including the UK, Belgium and Switzerland.

Last November, he also led an official delegation to China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru and Brazil, visits which were criticised for their use of private funding.

At the Dewan Rakyat session in October, meanwhile, Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the government had spent a total of RM13.7 million to cover Anwar's 39 trips to 22 countries.

Ezam Nor.
Ezam Nor.

Ezam, who played a prominent role in the reformasi movement of the 1990s, said Anwar's tactic only worked as long as he was not in the government.

"His credibility as prime minister is not something that can be built with diplomatic shows. It requires decisions that benefit the country.

"So far, there has been nothing that has benefited the country, unlike Mahathir during his time as prime minister."

Analyst Samirul Ariff Othman said Anwar appeared confident in his strategy to bring in foreign investments and shore up ties with foreign leaders to boost his image as a competent and visionary leader.  

Nevertheless, he too said that the effectiveness of this strategy was up for debate.

"While international recognition can reinforce a leader's legitimacy, it risks alienating local constituents if it is perceived as neglecting domestic concerns," he said.

Samirul, an adjunct professor at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, said public scepticism towards Anwar could be traced to a lack of tangible impact on the domestic front.

He cited the case of former prime minister Najib Razak, whose announcements of FDIs without local benefits he said did not translate into voters' support.

He said Anwar's overseas efforts would have a positive long-term effect but that there were more pressing issues awaiting the prime minister at home.

"Malaysians expect immediate solutions to inflation, unemployment, and the weakening ringgit.

"FDI announcements lack follow-up on realisation rates, fuelling scepticism," he said.

He also said that Anwar's government was under fire for relying on race and religion, which he said diminished the appeal of global achievements for certain segments of the electorate.

Between Anwar and Mahathir

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is known for his straight-talking style when addressing global forums. Photo: United Nations
Dr Mahathir Mohamad is known for his straight-talking style when addressing global forums. Photo: United Nations

On comparisons between Anwar and Mahathir, Samirul said the influence of the former prime minister had stemmed from his bold leadership during times such as the Asian financial crisis.

"Anwar's focus on personal narratives and diplomacy appears less transformative," he said.

"Malaysians viewed Mahathir's international presence as complementary to his domestic agenda. Anwar, on the other hand, faces criticism for prioritising global optics over local challenges."

Former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Mahathir had come across as more consistent than Anwar in terms of foreign policies.

"Mahathir was outspoken on Palestine," he said. "Anwar has spoken up as well, but the BlackRock issue has tarnished his image."

He said Mahathir also took a balanced approach to the US and China, while Anwar had sent mixed signals by skipping last year's UN General Assembly, sending his foreign minister in his place.

The Indera Mahkota MP said Mahathir was also respected for his clear policies and special programmes such as the Langkawi International Dialogue, in addition to Malaysia's reputation as an Asian Tiger under his leadership.

"Anwar has nothing like that," he added.

Ezam meanwhile said Anwar had so far failed to demonstrate a strong foreign policy despite Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean this year.  

"This has become Anwar's agenda to promote his name, that's all," he said.

"It's not for Malaysia or Asean."