On Another round of ISA for Anwar?

Peter Ooi: Anwar is not a threat to the economy. If at all he becomes PM, his first job will be to clean up government machinery from corruption and abuse. Transparency would be the order of the day. Having been convicted for a crime by an apparently tainted judiciary, cleaning up the judicial system will definitely be one of his priorities.

Anwar has also promised that none of his children would be involved in business, thereby putting a stop to favouritism and cronyism. Such a lean government will definitely attract foreign direct investment in droves. Thus, how can he be a threat to economy?

Anwar a threat to the security? Again this is mind boggling. He has repeatedly emphasised a peaceful transition if Pakatan Rakyat takes over the federal government and has even offered to meet the PM to discuss the matter. It is the PM who is refusing to meet him.

Anwar can only be considered a security threat if he is planning a coup or military takeover, which is impossible in view of the fact that the armed forces are now under the purview of the prime minister.

To take over the government by having the right number of representatives is perfectly legal, irrespective of how Anwar managed to get them.

Anwar is a threat, yes. A threat to those to are resorting to injustice and draconian laws to cling on to power. Shame on you Pak Lah for insinuating that the ISA could be used on him. Are you not aware of all the protests over last weekend’s arrests? The rakyat are already angry. Don’t incur further wrath with any foolish actions to stifle dissent.

T Shan: I guess the draconian law is going to catch up with Anwar again considering the PM’s latest move. He has switched portfolios with his deputy. The defence portfolio is important at this crucial time to make sure the military heeds the orders of the PM instead of going through his deputy.

This only shows that the PM is getting ready to use the military, possibly to arrest of Anwar. This is logical seeing that Anwar is the one making all the fuss of a possible political coup and once he is silenced through arrest, the wave of dissent can be stopped.

This threat of ISA is proof that politicians, especially in Umno have not grown up or are refusing to grow up. Maybe arresting Anwar a decade ago might have watered down the rise of reformasi and the call to Dr Mahathir to step down. If the same tactic is used by the current PM, I suggest he looks around him before signing that arrest order for he will be digging his own grave.

I seriously doubt the people will sit by and watch, like what happened back in 1998. The sentiments are different now and the wave for the change is surprisingly at its peak as evidenced by the huge turnouts at every opposition event. Using the military to tackle any uprising will backfire.

On Najib takes over as finance minister

23PSI: A prime minister under siege, both from within his party and outside, assumes the post of minister of defence. Is this an indication as to how far he will go to stay in power and stave off Pakatan Rakyat?

Khin Nyunt: Since last week, Najib has been saying that it’s up to the grassroots to decide on who they want as Umno president. If this is the case, Najib can be sure he will be chosen instead of Abdullah as Umno members have voiced their dissatisfaction in the PM’s leadership.

Keeping this in mind, could this be the reason Abdullah has taken over the ministry of defence? So that if Najib ever openly challenges him, Abdullah will have full control of the army.

In the same vein, control of the armed forces will come in handy in case Anwar Ibrahim attempts to topple the government. One thing is certain, the political game is going to get very, very dirty. Buckle up, folks.

G-man: It seems as if the government does not even bother to listen to the people anymore and is more pre-occupied with its own personal agendas and also playing the blame game. Ministers and even law enforcement officers seem to think they own the country and have the right to decide what is good for us. Our PM deems it right for him to swap portfolios with his deputy. May I ask who gave him the right to do so?

It’s all about power and money and nothing to do with serving the people.

On MCA, Gerakan told to work with Umno to kick PM out

Cmoon: Well Dr M, you made him your successor, didn’t you? Abdullah may be a good guy but he doesn’t have strong leadership qualities, evident in our current political chaos.

Now you want him removed? Who, in your professional opinion, is good enough to lead the nation? I suspect you will say no one.

The racial overtones in your comments also speak for themselves. How are we going to progress if we take your advice? You have been the stumbling block in our country’s racial integration. How are we going to progress? I honestly think you should take a vacation to rest your muddled mind.

On A slow changing of the guards

Awin: I was waiting for Sept 16 with bated breath. However, I was not expecting Anwar to be able to announce the defectors, for many complex and some less complex reasons. But my hopes are still high. We need the changes promised by Anwar and I know he will keep these promises.

On a personal level, my interest and commitment lie in two aspects, conscience and justice. Anwar will be my biggest hope for Malaysia to be ruled by a man with a conscience.

Although I am harbouring hopes for change, I have been doing it cautiously because I don’t want disappointment if it doesn’t happen to hit me hard. As a Malaysian I want the best for my country and I see the need for a change.

I voted for Pakatan Rakyat on March 8 and a certain part of my dream has been realised, but I want more. Anwar's promise is a long shot but I am willing to take the bait.

CH Siew: 916 has come and gone. On the eve of the very day, Anwar continued to hold on to his promise. But the takeover did not happen. Why? Because Anwar wants a trouble free transition and is seeking the prime minister’s co-operation.

I for one appreciate Anwar's concern for the rakyat , as we all know what Umno and BN are capable of when threatened with a possible loss of power.

Although 916 has passed, we still support you, Anwar. But the window for change is very short and you must act quickly if you can.

Suria Kenchana: Though many appear to support Anwar Ibrahim, many are still uncertain as to how much they can really rely on him and Pakatan Rakyat to put the country back on track, especially in the light of the current turmoil in the global economy.

Any party who comes to power in vengeance and for personal glory and in pursuit of personal vested interests would be to the detriment of our beloved nation. We have suffered more than enough and because of this, the country is in great jeopardy.

Can we now call upon someone with stature and substantive background to stand up and come forward to establish a new platform to save the nation?

ET: I admit I was eagerly waiting to see what would transpire on Sept 16. Not so much of the politicians but rather, the response of the rakyat. Now that Anwar has promised something and failed to deliver, it seems he's been 'let off the hook'.

I suppose that means people are giving him the benefit of the doubt. If a certain other person were to 'flip flop', it would have elicited quite a different response, I am certain.

I guess people choose to see what they want to see. Still, once a politician, always a politician.

JY: Anwar, please strategise quickly before you lose your bargaining edge and credibility. I fully understand the obstacles beyond your control. But given all the hitches and glitches you face, you have achieved admirable progress to attempt to bring about dearly desired reforms to our country through a path of national and racial unity.

The world can see you are trying to achieve a transitional change of government in the most peaceful manner possible. You have the admiration of the world and the intelligent and unselfish rakyat on your side.

Whether you succeed or not, at least you have tried your very, very best. I salute you for your bravery.

Tetraigrat: Anwar, please be honest to all Malaysians. Please tell us whether or not you have the numbers to form the new government. If you go on declaring you have the numbers and fail to form the new government, Malaysians will not trust you in future and when this happens, you will not have a place in our hopes and hearts but also in the country's politics.

Just be honest and tell us why you can't form the government and if we need to wait till the next general elections. If that is the case, so be it, we don’t mind waiting. But please be aware that Malaysians are hoping, praying and keeping our spirits high of an impending change. We want to see a dawn of a new era, just like you promised.

On MCA: Journalist's detention unwarranted

Kenny Gan: It's ironic to see parties like MCA, MIC and Gerakan who are supposed to be part of the government, reduced to issuing statements opposing the ISA which have as much effect on the government as water off a duck's back.

Will MCA show that its concerns are sincere and bring up the matter when Parliament reconvenes in October? Or will they prove once again that their voters have elected rubber stamps for Umno?

When DAP, PKR and PAS stand outside the gates and shout, they have no choice as they are the opposition. But when these BN component parties do the same, it shows how powerless they are as part of the government.

If these component parties have any clout at all, they should be discussing the matter within the corridors of power. However, they have been reduced to neutered parties making plaintive noises for the sake of making a show for their electorate.

Not that they have much support left in the communities they purport to represent. Whatever seats they can still win will have to be in Malay majority areas.

On Zaid sticks to 'quit' decision, open to joining PKR

Concerned Mal: Zaid Ibrahim’s highly respectable decision to resign is proof that he is the only one with principles in the cabinet.

A true politician like Zaid is hard to come by, someone who is in government to serve the people and do good for the country and not himself. The post of minister of law does not reward monetarily but the change he can make to the sad state of affairs in our judiciary will be extremely gratifying.

I pray that he will return to politics when the right government takes over. He will be an asset to good governance and with him in place, there is no doubt that Malaysia will rise from the ashes of a bad reputation. Let's look forward to that day.

I hope that the new government will comprise people like Zaid, people with integrity, principles and a conscience.

A Malaysian: Malaysians salute you for doing the right thing, Zaid. It is shocking to learn that there are ministers within the cabinet who are not willing to take steps to carry out political and social reform in our country. Who are they working for anyway? The rakyat or their supporters who make up a small section of the rakyat ?

Humbleheart: Zaid Ibrahim should be given credit for his heroic decision. He is a true Malaysian who has sacrificed his position to make a stand for all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion and political affiliation. He is a prime example of how a man in power must act in the face of injustice.

We need more people like him who can be role models to the younger generation. Watching the press conference in which he announced his resignation, almost brought me to tears. He was not only a gentleman, he spoke earnestly and humbly of his plight. May God bless him and his family.

JY: I believe many true Malaysians respect and praise your selfless decision to resign under such difficult circumstances. You have certainly put the country and all races before self and sectarian issues. On behalf of all Malaysians, I acclaim you as a true son of Malaysian soil. I hope many will also follow in your footsteps.When Pak Lah swapped duties with his deputy, I didn't see a real change or any reform. It's like a chameleon changing colours. Is this how you convince the people? Pak Lah, please, you must convince the rakyat with real and effective reforms.