When politicians lock horns, certain institutions and government agencies are trampled upon. Their rectitude is tarnished and their reputations are maligned.

The accusers are top political leaders, including former prime ministers, who lend credence to the belief that these institutions and agencies are pliant to the executive.

In 2008, just like a decade earlier, Anwar Ibrahim claimed his political rivals recruited the police and courts to send him to prison on fabricated charges.

Now as prime minister, the opposition is accusing him...