Dato Selvam Selliah
Vice President
MAP
Hindraf and MAP leader Waytha Moorthy’s open and heartfelt apology within mere hours of realizing an error in his public statement stands as a remarkable and exemplary act of political integrity in Malaysia’s public sphere. In an era where political figures often seek refuge behind excuses of being “misquoted” or “taken out of context,” Waytha’s swift acknowledgment and rectification of his mistake within 12 hours mark a refreshing departure from the norm and a bold step towards a new culture of accountability in Malaysian politics.
Waytha Moorthy has not only corrected an error — he has set a new benchmark for political ethics and reminded us all that leadership is defined not by perfection, but by the courage to admit and amend one’s mistakes.
Public apologies of this nature — issued voluntarily, without external pressure, and rooted in a sincere commitment to truth — are exceedingly rare. For a political leader who delivers public speeches almost daily to pause, recheck the facts, and immediately issue a correction demonstrates intellectual honesty, humility, and moral courage of the highest order.
Waytha Moorthy’s decision to own up to his mistake without hesitation or justification should be commended and emulated by all public figures. It signals a maturing of Malaysian political culture, where integrity triumphs over ego, and accountability takes precedence over deflection.
Malaysians are outraged and betrayed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s conduct at the recent ASEAN Summit, where he not only welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump with a dance but publicly glorified the very figure who armed, financed, and justified Israel’s brutal war on Gaza.
Anwar had justified Trump’s invitation by claiming it would allow Malaysia to make its position on Palestine “crystal clear.” But when the time came to stand firm, he chose cowardice over courage, praise over principle, and silence over justice.
By declaring he was “delighted to hear from Trump directly”and commending Trump’s supposed commitment to peace, Anwar betrayed the trust of Malaysians and dishonoured the suffering of Gaza’s civilians.
He should have demanded accountability for America’s billions in aid that fuel Israel’s war machine, condemned Israel’s war crimes against hospitals and civilians, called for an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel, and insisted that Washington stop using its U.N. veto to block justice for Palestine. Instead, he remained silent.
This is not diplomacy — it is a disgraceful act of moral surrender. Malaysia must never sacrifice truth for political gain. Our voice belongs with the oppressed, never in defence of their oppressors.
As Gaza bleeds, Malaysians will not stay silent — nor will we accept silence from those who claim to speak in our name.
Rakyat Malaysia berasa marah dan dikhianati oleh tindakan Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Sidang Kemuncak ASEAN, apabila beliau bukan sahaja menyambut Presiden A.S. Donald Trump dengan tarian, tetapi turut mengagung-agungkan Trump yang membiayai, mempersenjatai dan membenarkan perang kejam Israel terhadap Gaza.
Anwar bulan lalu mempertahankan jemputannya kepada Trump dengan alasan bahawa ia akan memberi peluang kepada Malaysia untuk menjelaskan pendirian terhadap Palestin secara“jelas dan tegas.” Namun apabila tiba saat untuk berdiri teguh, beliau menjadi pengecut, memuji Trump tanpa prinsip, dan menggadai keadilan kepada rakyat Palestine.
Dengan menyatakan bahawa beliau “gembira mendengar sendiri daripada Trump” serta memuji kononnya komitmen Trump terhadap keamanan, Anwar telah mengkhianati kepercayaan rakyat Malaysia dan mengabaikan penderitaan rakyat Gaza.
Beliau sepatutnya menuntut pertanggungjawaban terhadap berbilion dolar bantuan Amerika yang membiayai mesin perang Israel, mengecam jenayah perang Israel terhadap hospital dan orang awam, menuntut penghentian penjualan senjata A.S. kepada Israel, serta mendesak Washington berhenti menggunakan kuasa vetonya di Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu untuk menghalang keadilan bagi Palestin. Namun sebaliknya, beliau memilih untuk memuji Trump dan mengambil hatinya.
Ini bukan diplomasi — ini adalah perbuatan menggadai maruah dan moral yang memalukan. Malaysia tidak boleh sekali-kali menggadaikan kebenaran demi keuntungan politik. Suara kita mesti sentiasa bersama yang tertindas, bukan membela penindas mereka.
Ketika Gaza terus berdarah, rakyat Malaysia tidak akan berdiam diri.