COMMENT | When he was in power not very long ago, newspapers, news portal and journalists incurred his wrath. He could do what he wanted – threaten news outlets with closure and for a good measure, flex his muscles – physically and literally.

Journalists were expected to quote only the “nice words” that flowed out of his mouth. Anything else was taboo.

Claiming to have a doctorate in human communication studies, he remarked that Malaysiakini was setting an agenda to “tarnish the image of a person, party or government”. It was not his first unprovoked and unjustified attack on journalists, especially those from this portal.

“When you quote me, put it as a whole (the entire text). Do not put 'half-half' as it would become a half-truth. Why when I say... they directly attack me. I am always open.

“If I am open... but you (the news portal) is closed, this is called jumud (backward). There should not be agenda setting. You must be a professional journalist and not become a street journalist where you find some material and spin," he had said.

In October 2013, with the “untouchable” Barisan Nasional government in power (after being voted in, yet again five months earlier), I wrote a commentary under the heading “The foot is in the mouth again.”

“….what was more shocking was his endorsement of the Tiga Line underworld group, calling them his friends and urging them to do what they needed to do. Tiga Line, he thundered, weren’t thugs and were in fact some form of benevolent gangsters that only turned up at festivals.

“I am writing this article from the heart – fully aware of the consequences. I am well aware that a fellow journalist was arrested for ‘her own protection’. I very well know that I could incur the wrath of the Lord and Master. Silence is no longer an option for those who choose to call themselves journalists. For our dignity and pride, we have to stand and say our piece on those who choose to ride roughshod over us.”

But it appears that the haughtiness, arrogance and his self-presented feeling of security has not disappeared with this man. The trademark smirk has not gone despite his party being booted out and he himself facing charges of corruption and fraud.

A leopard never changes its spots and neither has Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the former home minister and deputy prime minister. The only difference is the absence of his Goebbels’ think alikes – Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Salleh Syed Keruak. Yet he is still feeling all that mighty and monumental.

On Monday, Zahid thundered: “What right do you have to ask this question?” - with his sneering grin when a journalist posed a question to him in the Parliament lobby.

This was because Zahid was far from pleased when asked if he would go on leave as Umno president pending the disposal of his court cases.

Zahid made a fool of himself

Now that he is on the other side – the Opposition – the rule remains the same when it comes to reporting the truth or saying it as it is. Zahid must come down to earth – his domination of the media with threats and innuendos and his “might is right” era are over.

Never mind that Zahid made a fool of himself by claiming that that the tsunami and earthquake in Palu, Indonesia, were linked to LGBT activities. The supervising lecturer for his doctorate must be wondering if something had slipped past his eyes when appraising the thesis.

Some advice for Zahid. Others who have fallen by the wayside can learn one or two:

  • You are Umno president but you are not the home minister or PM;
  • You can bark orders to your party members. Not to others. Period;
  • Journalists will continue to write what they deem is fit;
  • They have a right to ask questions from people of standing because they have an obligation to inform their listeners or readers;
  • The public being the electorate have a right to know the character, qualification and other aptitudes of their lawmakers;
  • Nothing is sacrosanct anymore. Your conduct in and out of your office is fair game for journalists;
  • Think twice before you open you big mouth or act irrationally;
  • Respect for the law and pay no heed to common sense;
  • Use your judgment and retain your self-esteem; and
  • Stop resorting to disgusting levels of popularity-gaining efforts.

One more important thing – if you go to a cigar bar in a five-star hotel, if you pinch the bottom of the waitress, you do it at your own peril. You will have to face the consequences. Don’t expect to get away by sending a hotshot lawyer to kau tim (settle) with a fistful of ringgit!

And finally, politicians should remember that they can no longer use journalists and journalism as cannon fodder for their actions or the lack of them. This is an era of good journalism – serving as the eyes, ears and mouths of fellow Malaysians.

And if you are a public figure – either in the front or back benches, a timely reminder for you: the skeletons in your cupboard will be made bare for all to see, as a few have discovered, much to their chagrin. Be warned.

R NADESWARAN is not surprised that some politicians behave as Lords, despite being unacceptable and booted out by the people. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.