Be afraid, be very afraid. According to veteran opposition lawmaker Lim Kit Siang, incidents in recent weeks are indications of what life will be like when premier-in-waiting Najib Abdul Razak steps into the post vacated by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In a statement today, Lim cited the following actions to back his assertion:

  • March 16: DAP MP for Puchong Gobind Singh Deo was suspended for a year from the Dewan Rakyat in “kangaroo court” proceedings for questioning Najib about his alleged involvement in the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

  • March 17: DAP national chairperson and Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh was charged under the Sedition Act 1948 in relation to his threat to sue the Perak ruler over the political crisis in the state.

  • March 18: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency showed “utter contempt for the doctrine of separation of powers” by questioning Perak speaker V Sivakumar and saying that “there were elements of abuse of power” in the decision to suspend BN-appointed menteri besar Zambry Abdul Kadir and six exco members from the legislative assembly.

  • March 23: The Home Ministry imposed an “unreasonable and undemocratic” three-month suspension of two opposition party organs - Harakah and Suara Keadilan .

  • March 23: Police fired tear gas and chemical-laced water on 5,000 people at a ceramah in Bukit Selambau, Kedah, minutes after Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim took the podium.

‘Worst fears confirmed’

Lim claimed that these events have “confirmed the worst fears” that Najib’s ascension as the sixth prime minister will see a return of Mahathirism - a reference to the autocratic tenure of Dr Mahathir Mohamad who helmed the government for 22 years up to October 2003.

najib announce new bn perak state govt 040209 The most damning indictment was drawn from the media blackout of “all references to Najib’s suitability, integrity and legitimacy to become the new prime minister - whether in regard to the Altantuya murder or the power grab in Perak”.

However, Lim pointed out that, international media reports have questioned the seriousness and the political will of Najib over his stated intention to bring in reform and to root out corruption in Umno.

He added that is it important for Najib to respond to the many allegations surrounding him.

Najib has already denied any involvement in the murder case.