It is also not beyond Mahathir to see Anwar and the crowds that throng (in the thousands and even tens of
thousands) his residence and other places he visits as a threat to "public order". But it is unlikely that
Mahathir will risk arresting Anwar in view of his continually rising popularity, not unless he is also
contemplating imposing emergency rule, a move which could rapidly backfire and cause the otherwise calm
situation to deteriorate beyond repair.

In a message aimed at PAS and other opposition parties and their supporters and people generally inclined
to disbelieve the government (for which it is now clear they have ample reason), Mahathir "advised the
people to continue to practise moderation and to discard extremism" (New Straits Times, 16.8.98). It is
also clear that Mahathir himself is not averse to using the fear of racial and religious "extremism" to scare the
people into supporting the government. Of course he himself will not see this as inciting racial and religious
disharmony.

By his definition, anyone who disagrees with him is an "extremist" of some form or another. This combined
with the purported threat from foreigners bent on stealing Malaysia’s freedom and its political and economic
sovereignty represents a highly potent scare tactic. Will it work this time and will it be potent enough to
deceive the Malaysian people once again? Is Malaysia’s national security really at stake here or is this just
another desperate ploy by Mahathir to stay in power by whatever means at his disposal? Will the will of the
people be disposed of or dispensed with?

Will the Malaysian people continue to surrender their future to the self-interested dictates of Mahathir and
his cabal? The likely answer, judging from the crowds, of all colours, persuasions and creeds, that greet
Anwar, is a loud resounding "NO!"

Anwar Ibrahim, the ex-Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister’s premature attempt (as Mahathir saw
it) to ease or force Mahathir out of office fizzled out at the last UMNO General Assembly and has
compromised his efforts at tackling the crisis and has now cost him his position, as Mahathir (who moves
fast for a man in his 70’s) swiftly moved to re-establish control over an increasingly divided UMNO. Can
Mahathir do enough damage control with the help of all the yes-men in the party to prevent UMNO and the
BN from losing the next elections? There is a great deal of doubt about this.

Whatever the case may be, two editors of Malay-language newspapers who are linked to Anwar were
forced to resign for voicing opinions and emphasizing news which did not show the government in good
light. Their criticisms centred on lack of transparency and accountability and the bad effects of the crony
capitalism practised by the government. What they said was true, but they paid the price for their
candidness.
 
 
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