A post-normal world - Trump, China & the Mahathir-Anwar alliance
We now live in a post-normal world, believes PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.
Once a proponent of free trade, the US now touts protectionism. In contrast, communist China now champions free trade, he juxtaposed.
We now live in a post-normal world, believes PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the Al Sharq Forum Youth Conference in Kuala Lumpur today, he pointed to the United States now touting protectionism, as communist China champions free trade.
"A friend of mine, a political scientist, joked that even in Malaysia, the decision of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim to work together was also not normal," he said to applause from the audience.
Anwar said his decision to join hands with his former nemesis was based on the common realisation of the need to stem endemic corruption and the destruction of institutions under BN.
“And it was also (based on) a commitment to support the reform agenda.
"It’s not just (about) toppling the old order, which can be popular," he said.
Read more: Urban elite misunderstood my criticism of gov't's focus - Anwar
Anwar noted how regime changes in the past – such as during the French Revolution, India’s independence from the British, and the end of apartheid in South Africa – had resulted in further marginalisation of the poor.
As such, he said, for any reform to last, its fruits needed to be enjoyed by all sectors of society.
"Those of us who believe in this reform and a need to change... must always remember that commitment to effect change must remain consistent.
"(And it) must be well understood, appreciated and supported by the young,” he added.
Anwar is slated to take over from Mahathir come 2020, with both repeatedly assuring that the promised transition will indeed take place.
However, calls have emerged within Mahathir’s party Bersatu for the premier to serve a full term until the next general election.
