I agree wholeheartedly with Ramu Rathkum on his analysis of Anwar Ibrahim and his warts and all. I will take up his challenge to speak up and not be bashful. The frequently asked questions on this man are:

Can we trust him, after his ultra-Malay stance while in Umno?

For whatever he appeared to be when he was vice-president of Umno, one common theme then and now is the plight of the hardcore poor in Malaysia. He fought for them when he was finance minister and deputy prime minister, implementing many policies that helped the poor irregardless of race.

What I hear today from him speaks of a Malaysia we could only dream of in the past. Whether he turns into a racial monster after he or his party comes to power remains to be seen. However, what he speaks today at all 'ceramahs' irregardless of audience, resonates with many from all races.

Why did he not implement changes when he was in BN?

I think one must recognise Asian leadership styles and that is the 'lord' is the top man. In this case it's the executive head, the prime minister, who held absolute power in Malaysia. More so the previous prime ministers than today's PM. Anwar would have had to work within the constraints of the leadership without getting on his wrong side. Even that became impossible as one can only compromise one's principles so many times. Finally, it led to his violent sacking.

'He is not a man of principles'

On the contrary, I think he is a man of principles and great courage. Who, after all, would be willing to suffer shame and pain and six years in solitary confinement? Would any minister today in the BN government stand up for what he believes in and be willing to be thrown into jail and beaten up badly by the police? I somehow doubt it.

I am convinced that Anwar is a man with great conviction and is able to lead this country. I feel strongly that there should not be a political party who should claim governance solely for 50 years. It does not speak well of a democratic nation. We must have change and to think of change. We need to have free and fair elections.

We need to have unbiased media reporting. We must have a deep sense of justice and respect for the Federal Constitution. We must have righteous people in office who will be brave enough to stand up for what is right and not for their own pockets or for the continuation of their own empire.