COMMENT | When govt was traded for a few pieces of silver

“If they know a new government is being formed, with Umno in, ‘why don’t you (Umno MPs) join in now, why don’t you join us now, rather than you join later?’

“I think if we did that, a majority will leave Umno (with just) 10-20 (MPs), with just Najib (Abdul Razak) and his people (left behind).

“Especially if there are positions. If not a minister, then chairperson of a GLC.”

- Part of a transcript of an audio recording of a man whose voice resembled that of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin which emerged in May 2020 - two months after his backdoor government took office.

COMMENT | Many would like to see the events leading to the darkest days in our history being consigned to the archives and filed for posterity.

But occasionally, they should be brought up to remind us of the political manoeuvring and horse-trading that brought the nation to its knees.

The intention was there but the discussion was on who gets a bigger share of the spoils.

Muhyiddin Yassin brought down the Pakatan Harapan government by defecting with more than 30 MPs, and forming an alliance with his old party and rival (at that time) - delivering a shattering blow to Malaysians who expected a new beginning for the country with the scandal-ridden Umno.

No justification was offered and neither was the need to account for his conduct.

Like the 1MDB scandal and the perpetrators, this episode and its principal thespians should constantly be in the news to remind Malaysians of the bad old days.

This was the theft of a government elected by the people, where some elected representatives decided to ditch their allies and move on to new frontiers.

If Najib Abdul Razak was seen as one who put his hands into the nation’s coffers, how would a bunch of people who stole a democratically elected government be adjudged?

A dutiful echo against corruption

The figures on the stolen money are still being totted up with more revelations each day, but how do you value a government that was “stolen” in broad daylight?

The events that followed including the declaration of emergency are a testament of a government on how not to treat its citizens.

Some of the protagonists who were principal actors who worked with Muhyiddin are still sitting on their high horses as if their roles have been forgotten and wiped clean.

They now dutifully echo Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s mantra on fighting corruption, conveniently forgetting their role as recipients of status and power.

If they had previously argued and quarrelled (with name calling and labelling) on matters or policies and ideology, overnight they considered themselves “abang-adik” (brothers) and embraced each other.

Muhyiddin’s teasing offer included in the audio tape was a terse qualifier - “those who had been enticed would not want to leave once they had ‘tasted’ the benefits of having positions.”

Irresistible perks

Muhyuddin was right – the trappings, perks and financial rewards were too good to resist. Some continue to enjoy and bask in the glory of their respective offices – conveniently forgetting the tumultuous past.

Ordinary politicians who were apt to spread the word of holy scriptures were elevated to the status they had never dreamt of before.

Some considered themselves invincible, blatantly breaching the movement control order that was in place and another had a 55-day sojourn overseas - away from his duties.

One discovered a “cure” for Covid-19 – warm water and a teleconference with leaders of 500 countries. Fortunately for us, none dared to nominate him for the Nobel Prize!

The same minister mistakenly referred to the Spanish flu pandemic as “Spanish Fly” several times before correcting himself and referring to it as the “Spanish virus”.

Another, with his “rombongan” (entourage) tasted luxury in the skies flying on a government jet.

Don’t forget

With the new cabinet came contractors, middlepersons, rent-seekers, commission agents and the like, who saw the burgeoning budget allocated amid the Covid-19 pandemic as a source of quick money.

Even partisan journalists aided and abetted the perpetrators, joining the ranks of propagandists, applauding and cheering the many moves which were self-centred and that ignored the plight of ordinary folk.

Friends became foes and vice versa. The high-fives and pats on the back complimenting each other were just for show. Beneath them were shadow plays, backstabbing and falsity which eventually came out in the open resulting in yet another new government.

These and other lapses could have earned entries in the Book of Dubious Records but another change of government within two years prematurely ended them.

History, it is said, is written by the victors and the vanquished are consigned to minor and negative roles.

Like the 1MDB, this tumultuous rule of the backdoor government should not be forgotten, ignored or distorted the way the founding of Malacca by a Hindu prince, Parameswara, has been treated.

R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.

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

Sacking reps will not trigger by-elections but weaken Bersatu in PN, say experts

COMMENT | Demolish majoritarianism to make democracy work

King won't entertain coup attempts, tells politicians to wait for next GE

Never heard of 'Seremban Move' - N Sembilan MB

Zahid proposes special bill to keep govt until end of term

Enough backdoor moves, stop wasting people's time - Zahid slams PN