Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s latest attempt to downplay and repackage his earlier remarks on Hindu temples as being merely “misconstrued” is nothing more than a desperate political damage-control exercise triggered by fear of losing non-Malay support ahead of the coming General Election.

For months, the Indian community endured the anxiety, humiliation, and hostility triggered by reckless narratives surrounding Hindu temples. Instead of acting responsibly as Prime Minister of a multiracial nation, Anwar allowed sentiments to grow that indirectly painted the Hindu community and their places of worship as problematic and illegitimate. The damage was real. The fear was real. The anger within the Indian community was real.

Now, with elections approaching and support rapidly slipping away, Anwar suddenly wants Malaysians to believe that his statements were misunderstood.

The Indian community must ask a simple question:
Where was this “clarification” when temples were being demonised?
Where was this concern when Hindus were being attacked and ridiculed online and politically?
Why only now — when elections are around the corner and political support is collapsing?

Anwar Ibrahim has long been known for speaking in different tones to different audiences. When addressing Indian voters and non-Malay communities, he speaks the language of inclusivity, moderation, and reform. Anwar Ibrahim has mastered the art of speaking with two tongues.

The truth is Anwar knows very well that without non-Malay votes, especially Indian votes, his political future is in serious danger.

What is even more revealing is that Anwar now appears trapped politically. After years of trying to prove himself to the Malay establishment, he realises that he still does not enjoy the trust and respect of large segments of the Malay electorate. Having failed to fully secure that ground, he is now desperately attempting to pacify Indians and Chinese voters who have grown increasingly disillusioned with his administration.

Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy

11.5.26