Some two weeks ago, I wrote about the political problems roiling the Philippines.

All because the archipelago was seizing such attention and which, in the way basket cases traditionally go, Manila was looking ungovernable.

I then called my article 'High Noon in the Philippines' largely because like any Western movie, it kind of promised entertainment, drama, climaxes and anti-climaxes.

No sooner than the piece was published, I was greeted by the potential of yet another episode, this time by the likes of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his one-time deputy Anwar Ibrahim.

If there is indeed anything to be realised through the airing of old grievances based on this perceived vendetta between both these men; it is the entertainment content it holds for all and sundry.

What it takes us all to is the time beginning Sept 2, 1998, when the deputy premier was summarily sacked from his post.

Charged, or maybe maligned if one may call it so, with charges of corruption and sodomy, Anwar, the once rising star in Malaysia's political sky overnight became a political pariah unworthy of being entrusted with the nation's highest office.

Western flick

In scenes and acts reminiscent of Western movie flicks, the streets of Kuala Lumpur were filled with protests, demonstrations and chaos, symbolising a struggle between the good and bad guys.

But that was in 1998, some seven years ago when life would almost have come full circle. Since then, a new premier has come into office, Anwar is now a free man and an inkling of democracy has returned to Malaysia.

That moment in history was when the first High Noon began. It fizzled in no time and for a moment everything looked quiet on the home front until

For, calling his one-time protg and former deputy a 'gay' cannot be anything but serious considering the cultural and institutional bias prevailing within society towards people of 'flawed' orientation.

That the former premier did so at a recent press conference despite a court verdict ruling otherwise against his ex-deputy can only add to what many observers see as a growing vendetta between them.

So, what will the foregoing portend from now on?

Interesting times

On the one hand we have a former premier - mercurial, feisty and who seems from all outward appearances to relish the political combat that became his hallmark during his stewardship, despite having pronounced that he seeks peace and quiet in his retirement.

On the other is his former deputy - a man of equal temperament bent on clearing his name yet one who is seeking to put to rest something that has bothered him all along, the political conspiracy which effected his downfall.

These therefore, are interesting times in Malaysia, so to speak. And what better way to call it than to say that it is back to HIGH NOON once again.

None of this would have happened had Mahathir done nothing to cause the current crisis.

As amusing as it is to watch two grown men argue and quarrel about past grievances, it does not bode well for Malaysia as a whole.

That is only because, both these men were former leaders. Both were entrusted with upholding the dignity and decorum of their public offices, safeguarding the livelihoods of their subjects and importantly of projecting an image of responsibility, grace and seriousness to the world at large.

High stakes

But now that this has happened, only two things can come out it. For Anwar, the opportunity is to prove that there was a political conspiracy to remove him. The other is whether he can regain his political clout arising out of a court hearing.

As matters go traditionally, there is plenty riding for Anwar. Apart from the already mentioned prospect of clearing his name, his political life is what is at stake here.

But that will pose no hindrance to most Malaysians with short memory. The former deputy premier is still a major player in domestic politics and the fact that he aims to be prime minister one day means that his suit will deserve the most serious attention.

"This lawsuit can only do Anwar good. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose," says opposition party DAP secretary-general Lim Eng Guan.

That probably sums up what is riding for Anwar. The stakes are very high that it will decide whether he remains relevant or not, politically.

But all said, the matter is certain not to leave out its 'entertainment' content according to one Umno Youth official aligned to premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

JAYA PRAKASH lectures journalism at Beacon School of Technology in Singapore.