COMMENT | The 'angry few' can be powerful

COMMENT | Apparently, our prime minister cannot count because yesterday, when Anwar Ibrahim said that the country’s problems are driven by an “angry few”, he utterly missed the scale and depth of public discontent.

Most Malaysians are not merely annoyed by online chatter or political theatrics. They are angry because real systemic failures affect their daily lives, and more often than not, many government officials respond with dismissive phrases rather than meaningful action.

Perhaps the reason there appear to be so few angry voices is not that the majority are content, but because they are afraid to speak out.

PKR’s Rafizi Ramli, one of the few parliamentarians openly critical of the government, has publicly slammed the MACC probe against him, accusing the PM of allowing allies to weaponise slander against critics.

Academics like Murray Hunter, who previously taught and lived in Malaysia and is familiar with what happens behind the scenes, were sued despite commenting from overseas.

Bestinet’s lawsuit against multiple publications (including Malaysiakini), politicians, and individuals demonstrates why people are afraid. Similarly, Azam Baki’s lawsuit against Bloomberg is another example.

When political dissent risks investigation, reputational attack, or party retaliation, many citizens understandably choose silence, leaving only a small, vocal minority willing to openly challenge the government.

‘Petty’ issues aplenty

So, what does Anwar actually consider “petty”?

Current issues driving public anger, from temple controversies, high-profile corruption scandals, minority rights infringements, environmental crises, the MACC chief’s shareholding controversy, to systemic abuses across government departments linked to the so-called MACC nexus, are hardly trivial.

They are real, tangible problems affecting millions of Malaysians every day. Dismissing them as “petty” risks alienating citizens and minimising the lived realities of those who experience economic, social, and political injustice.

While the prime minister calls some issues “petty”, ordinary Malaysians struggling with job security, rising costs, social fairness, minority rights, and limited opportunities would strongly disagree.

For many Malaysians, like myself, these issues matter, and they are anything but petty. Anwar cannot simply dismiss our fears and anxieties in such a flippant manner.

Perhaps the current troubling “ignored” issue is the MACC nexus, the network of enforcement power, corporate influence, and political connections that allows systemic abuses to persist.

This is far from petty. Ignoring the MACC nexus is like being a homeowner who sees a termite infestation in one corner of the house but does nothing.

Eventually, the problem spreads, weakens the structure, and can cause the whole house to collapse.

Not ‘fringe’ issues

Questions remain about whether serious governance failures have been adequately addressed, with critics arguing that law enforcement agencies risk being perceived as a political instrument, undermining accountability and sending a chilling message to dissenting voices.

Ordinary Malaysians witnessing this cannot help but feel their concerns are being dismissed while powerful figures and allies operate with impunity, with allegedly corrupt politicians being fully acquitted.

If this is considered “petty”, it is only in the sense that the prime minister has redefined what matters, leaving systemic corruption and abuse unchecked while public anger simmers.

It’s no longer possible to claim corruption is limited to a small fringe. The armed forces have been rocked by corruption probes involving top brass whose actions undermine national security and trust in the military.

Beyond the military, Malaysia’s customs and enforcement agencies have faced scandals where smuggling syndicates and corrupt officers allegedly caused billions in leakages and illegal activities.

Immigration enforcement has had multiple corruption allegations, too, including officers arrested over “flying passport” schemes and visa‑related misconduct. Vulnerabilities in systems meant to protect borders and human rights are not petty issues.

When police, customs, immigration, and defence officials - the people entrusted with national security and law enforcement - face corruption scandals, it is not fringe anger. It is public anger at a governance system that has failed to protect ordinary citizens.

Rakyat feeling the pinch

Meanwhile, converts and controversial figures strain Malaysia’s delicate multicultural harmony.

Non-Muslims face restrictions, and Orang Asli see their ancestral land rights eroded. Unilateral conversions of minors anger Malaysians and divide families. Ordinary citizens are left feeling that their voices, rights, and cultural identities are under threat.

Even if the economy grows on paper and exporters in sectors like electronics, rubber gloves, and condoms report strong overseas sales, this doesn’t always translate into better jobs and security for ordinary workers.

Many workers feel their livelihoods are threatened by automation and low‑cost migrant labour, with few high‑quality, sustainable jobs. These are issues that growth figures alone won’t solve.

Environmental crises, from river pollution to mismanaged rare earth projects, highlight serious governance failures and the consequences of neglect.

In October, Sungai Perak around Gerik turned blue. We await the detailed mineral analysis; have the polluter(s) been identified and punished?

Fish died, and humans face risks. Are we supposed to wait indefinitely for an outcome? This is no petty issue.

The consequences of ignoring our anger are manifold: escalating social tension, loss of trust, economic stagnation, silenced dissent, erosion of harmony, and environmental collapse.

The 16th general election could be decisive. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, if fully acquitted, could rise. Many may cling to Anwar, not because he’s effective, but because the alternative seems worse.

So, the real anger is not a few. The majority feel unheard. Ignoring these issues risks deepening discontent and eroding trust.

Leadership is not just about encouraging investment. It is about making growth inclusive, fair, and sustainable.

Address grievances and deliver real solutions. It is essential for peace, prosperity, and survival, including Anwar’s.

MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.

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

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