DISMISS SIDESHOW AND STICK TO THE FACTS IN D.C.

Uphill on the Capitol

The Centre of Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) held a seminar in Washington D.C. on the Governance & Rule of Law in Malaysia recently, attended by Minister Nazri Aziz and Ambassador Jamaluddin Jarjis (a.k.a. J.J.) put together by the CSIS’ Head of Southeast Asian program, Ernest Bower.

Malaysia Today reported that all the while Nazri was giving his address, Ambassador Jarjis was either fidgeting with his Blackberry or reading the Washingtion Post. Well naturally, keeping awake while deliberating on a topic of this nature, especially when the presenter is not very eloquent and savvy in his delivery, is usually an uphill battle unless it’s spruced up with showgirls from Vegas. But we should stick to the facts to find the distinction, not be distracted with sideshows and lose sight of the purpose of the program.

Pats on the back should be given to Nazri and JJ for having the courage to open the floor for questions after the briefing and bringing it on smack in the heart of Washington, knowing there were hostile agents planted in the midst. Among others, a participant from Amnesty International reportedly likened Malaysia to Myanmar in reference to Anwar’s ongoing case. He might as well have introduced himself as a representative from Travesty International instead for being unable to distinguish between an extremely deprived and jailed Aung San Suu Kyi and the gallivanting, high flying, rich and free to slander the government at will Anwar. He implied that the US will never improve relationship with Malaysia as people in Washington have concerns over Malaysia’s treatment of the opposition and Anwar’s trial.

Ultimately, an employee’s backside has been allegedly violated by his employer, either by undue influence, duress, or even with consent at first but involuntary after that. Any of these possibilities could have come into play and the person at the “ receiving end “ decided to lodge a report when he came to his senses. If the rule of law is anything to go by, then every “ backside ” should have its day in court. While the United States of America will continue to champion human rights and everything under the sun that they think can benefit them, I don’t think they will sour relations and risk a trade surplus with Malaysia on the account of one randy-for-the-wrong-end-wrong-sex, washed-up politician.

There was promise in Ambassador Jarjis that he is the right man to bring the battle with Anwar to the source of his so called strength in Washington. We are beginning to see some light of this at the end of the tunnel leading to the White House. Anwar’s lying nicely in the casket wearing his favourite black Zegna suit, so to speak. The show’s almost over. It’s time for JJ to nail his coffin and shove it into the furnace!