Najib tries to shake off ’status-quo’ image at TV interview

Can a leopard change its spots?

Apparently not. Take prime minister-to-be Najib Abdul Razak. At a high-profile TV interview with Al Jazeera, the 55-year old implied in clipped, urbane tones that he was his own man and would not be a puppet for former premier Mahathir Mohmad as many believe he is.

He also acknowledged the growing demands from Malaysians for a more equitable and open society and promised to stay committed to reforms or “the public will change us.”

“I realise there is a new Malaysia that has evolved and changed. Malaysian society is now more mature and demands more openness, ” Najib said during the 20-minute TV interview.

QUICK ABOUT-TURN

Yet hours earlier, he had called on parties within the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to stop public discussion on a host of hot topics currently gripping the nation.

Malaysians have been gawking with cynical interest as his Umno party rowed with coalition partners - the MCA, Gerakan and PPP - on issues over the supremacy of Malays over other ethnic groups, the future of vernacular schools, the ban on Muslims practising yoga and the oppressive Internal Security Act which has been used by the government to jail political rivals.

“It is counter-productive as the people will view the Barisan Nasional as having so many problems all the time,” Najib was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“Actually, when we formed the Barisan Nasional structure, one of the aims was for any differences or problems or polemics to be discussed behind closed doors through special channels the coalition has made available.

“But of late, these channels are not being utilised. Some quarters are more interested in discussing things openly,” he added.

SHAKING OFF THE STATUS-QUO TAG

Perceived to have been born with a silver spoon, the fair and slightly chubby Najib is the scion of one of the most powerful political families in the country.

The eldest son of Abdul Razak, the second prime minister who introduced the much-debated New Economic Policy, Najib is also the nephew of third premier, Hussein Onn.

Bred in the corridors of power, he grew up in the company of party stalwarts and leaders that included the 83-year old Mahathir.

But despite the political ‘blue blood’ and the wealth of experience from having entered active politics at the age of 22, he has not been able to build a reputation as a leader who can change or reform Umno or the country.

Analysts regard him as a “status-quo politician”, his bosses rate him as a cautious though solid performer, while his critics attack him for his allegedly ‘naughty’ personal life.

Perhaps some of his own words said during the Al Jazeera interview might later return to haunt him.

“If we do not change or reform then it is quite possible the electorate will decide to end BN rule,” Najib had said when asked what he thought of the threat from Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to form a new government.

Sumber: Suara Keadilan