Chandra Muzaffar. You are also Rubbish! Proud to have you as my PM, Anwar!

Firstly, I would like to thank Chandra Muzaffar for being among those who first awakened in me my political consciousness, sense of justice and concern for those who are marginalized in the society. In my early teenage years, I've already been reading the Aliran Monthly. It was those articles by Chandra that must have laid the foundation for my thirst for Justice, Freedom and Solidarity.

Although I've stopped to take him seriously after he left Aliran and began to change his stance, never have it crossed my mind that he will stooped so low by attacking Anwar at this particular time. I was pissed off. I must confess that swear words filled my mind as I read his statement about Anwar. The betrayal is now complete.

I won't waste time rebutting him. Others have done so. You can read it here. (Media statement by Aliran, the social reform NGO he founded) or here (Wee Choo Keong who was barred from joining PKR by him) and here (Tian Chua, whom he encouraged to join PKR)

Suffice to say, he is now rubbish to me. Consigned to the same heap as Abdullah Badawi.

Earlier this week before reading what the rubbish has to say about Anwar, one of my cell group members emailed to all our members about Anwar. The gist of her email is 'Can Anwar be trusted knowing that he is also not clean in the past? Below was my response.

Anwar was no angel. That is a fact. In fact when he was in power I’ve heard some Christians even compared him to Antichrist because of the Islamization program he was pushing. But 6 years in prison on trump up charges would definitely changed a person. Either he has repented and will henchforth fight against injustice or just bidding his time to return to power and unleash his vengeance.

But given Anwar’s experience in the Government, he will surely realize that it’s almost impossible to break UNMO’s power and hegemony despite his optimism that he will lower petrol price once Keadilan forms the new Govt on 9/3/08. If he wants to return to power, the more realistic path will be to go back to UMNO and there were in fact certain quarters in UMNO who were courting him when he was released including the SIL, KJ. I’m sure with some political maneuvering he should be able to get in and get to the top again. UMNO certainly lacks a leader with charisma like Anwar.

Why then would he want to continue to be in the Opposition where the prospects are not bright? Why would he want to go round the country in a punishing schedule, often time speaking at 5 to 6 different places in a day. So I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he is sincere in moving the country to a brighter future. Though I’m a DAP supporter, I think Keadilan offers the best viable alternative to the present political structure. One that is not race based. DAP needs to reinvent itself and leave behind some of its baggages, but it is still one party that has consistently fight for our rights through thick and thin.

Just would also like to add that if he was corrupt, I'm sure Mahatir and his enemies could have easily found the evidence to nail him. They don't have to resort to those ridiculous charges to do him in.

UMNO is more afraid of PKR than DAP & PAS combined because PKR's success will mean the end of their gerrymandering to win seats. It will signal the end of race based politics which is the raison d'etre for parties like UMNO, MCA & MIC. So is Anwar irrelevant?

We have been deceived for 4 years. Well, I don't mind being deceived by someone who is eloquent, articulate, knowledgeable, full of charisma and respected in the international arena. But I certainly don't want to continue to be deceived by a sleepy idiot. That will make me an even bigger idiot!

So Mr. Anwar, I'll be proud to have you as my Prime Minister!