Malaysian politics: Is Anwar-Najib debate a sign the country is hurtling back to ‘Game of Thrones’ style of politics?
- ‘Game on. I agree to debate with Anwar. Let’s rock,’ said former PM Najib Razak, reacting to the prospect of a debate with veteran politician Anwar Ibrahim
- The two disagree about whether the government should bail out cash-strapped tanking oil and gas company Sapura Energy
Malaysia’s political analysts are sensing that the country is hurtling back to a period of intense political theatrics – usually a sign that its relentless ‘Game of Thrones’-style battle for power is nearing a new crescendo.
A semblance of peace has been in place since last September when the current Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, struck a deal of sorts with the opposition, led by veteran politician Anwar Ibrahim, to ensure the country’s post-Covid-19 recovery was not encumbered by politicking.
But there are signs that this tenuous state of peace may be about to end. One indication is the decision by two senior political heavyweights and long-time rivals, the scandal-haunted ex-prime minister Najib Razak and Anwar, to stage a debate on May 12.
It is the first time that both men, in politics for decades, have agreed to such public discourse with each another.
Previously infamous for saying that “debate is not our culture”, Najib changed his tune earlier this month after his insistent call for the government to bail out Sapura Energy, a tanking oil and gas company, was challenged by the opposition.