Anwar Ibrahim being sworn in as Malaysia's PM reminds me half a century has passed since I left Kuala Lumpur where I spent my childhood and early teens to return to Singapore where I was born.
Memories of my mother mentioning in worrisome tone about the rise of a radical Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement leader resurfaced. Anwar was once detained for 20 months for leading a student demonstration against rural poverty and had led the Muslim Empowerment Movement against the ruling party. Naturally my mother was concerned as would any Chinese living in Malaysia then.
Anwar was a household name literally. So you can say I grew up and grow old with 'Anwar'. Not really appreciating the complexities of Malaysian politics I simply rejoiced at the news of Anwar becoming the 10th PM, partly because he represents the realisation of a dream, victory of a long drawn fight and hope for a brighter future for Malaysia. I was glad that my simplistic delight was echoed by the head waiter at my club's cafe, a Malaysian Indian who believes in Anwar's maxim of A Malaysia for ALL Malaysians and his vows of not compromising corruption.
So much has happened in Malaysia since I left half a century ago. Every time I visit Malaysia I empathise with the Malaysian Rakyat, I see the vast land and resources but so much has has been drained to private pockets and billions in GDP lost.
If my mother is alive, she would probably speak approvingly of Anwar being the PM. He has also changed of course.
Hopefully, No Worries Ma.
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