Ezam’s take on reforms, Anwar and the KT vote - malaysiakini

After a high profile exit from Parti Keadilan Rakyat in May, former PKR youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor, once seen as the right hand man to PKR supremo Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, did the unthinkable — joined Umno.

He was speculated to be Umno’s point man against Anwar but after a few lukewarm appearances at the Permatang Pauh by-election, Ezam dropped out of the political radar.

Malaysian Insider writer Baradan Kuppusamy caught up with Ezam recently to ask about his work as a reformist, his political plans and his take on the Sept 16 fiasco, power transition in Umno, current affairs and the upcoming Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Q: After a few appearances at the Permatang Pauh by-election you dropped out of the political radar. What have you being doing?

A: I have been busy in Jakarta as chairman of the Yayasan Generasi Baru Nusantara (New Generation of Nusantara). I have an office in Jakarta and we are working with the ASEAN secretariat there and other regional NGOs to form linkages among young and emerging leaders in the region.

Our hope is to forge person-to-person linkages among emerging leaders in Southeast Asia so that 10 or 20 years from now the leaders, in whatever capacity they grow up to be, would have personal links. The head office and we are opening national chapters in Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia would have a chapter too.

Currently we are privately funded by wealthy individuals who believe future Southeast Asia leaders must have personal relationships to promote and defend democracy, reform society and advance transparency and accountability. I am very much involved in the reform movement both in Umno, Malaysia and the region.

Q: Does this mean you are mostly in Jakarta?

A: Yes, most of the time. But I try to get back home here in Subang on the weekends. We are a small team in Jakarta but we are committed and have the support of national leaders.

Q: How do the Indonesians see us?

A: Our relationship with Indonesia is not too good. They are suspicious of us. They ask a lot of questions and are very critical especially over migrant workers. Our foundation is working with the Indonesian youths to answer these questions, improve perception and help promote grassroots networking. I meet a lot of Indonesian undergraduates and they ask very hard questions, they want to know and they are quietly critical.

Q: How does this work advance your political career in Umno, Malaysia?

A: I entered Umno to help Abdullah (Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi) reform, to make ACA independent and help move the reform in general society. I always believed the core problem in Malaysia is not race or religion or the NEP but corruption. If I can help Umno and the government to combat corruption, that would help my career.

Q: Specifically what is your next step in Umno?

A: As for now I have no plans except to get the Yayasan moving, helping Umno reform and wait. I have no post in Umno and that can be a limitation but for now I have work on reform and wait. I really want to contribute to reform.

Q: How are you advancing reform in Umno; did you have any input in the three reform bills passed in parliament this month?

A: I have been in constant contact with the PM and the DPM and their senior officers. I made concrete suggestions as the bills were drafted and I can see my input in the final shape of the bills. I am happy enough bills tabled and passed through parliament.

Q: There is considerable criticism that the bills lack bite?

A: Of course there is room for improvement. But what he (Abdullah) has done is major, very significant. The bills are a major step forward to fight corruption and promote judicial independence compared to the 1997 amendments Anwar made to the ACA law. They are credible bills, empowering and meaningful. Compared to what we have now, the bills are a major step forward. Everything depends on the “who and the how” of the implementation. A lot depends on the individuals who put the bills into work.

Q: You were widely expected to help Umno win or at least knock-off Anwar’s big winning majority in Permatang Pauh. You failed to make an impact?

A: I did not play a big role. Without a formal position in the party whatever I can do is limited. But I explained to the people, the constituents why I left the PKR and why I joined Umno. I explained to them why they have to be more critical of Anwar. I think I have done that even though the results of the by-election shows Anwar got an even bigger majority.

Q: Will you be campaigning in the Jan 17 Kuala Terengganu by-election?

A: Yes, Wan Farid (BN candidate Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh) has asked me to help in the campaign. My main message is to tell voters that Anwar is not a statesman. His ‘un-statesmanship’ claims have alienated the people, especially after the Sept 16 fiasco. I will tell voters it is a political ploy by Anwar for his personal pursuit at the expanse of the people and country. He has to explain his failure. This is my main plan. I will highlight this during the campaign.

Q: How do you read the outcome?

A: It is a close fight and I think the outcome depends a lot on the strength of candidates. Others factors are more or less the same therefore the choice of candidate is crucial. BN has a good candidate given the circumstances but a lot also depends who Pas chooses. But with BN and Pas divided, Chinese votes are crucial.

Q: Why do you think Sept 16 failed?

A: Anwar talked about it too much… he tried to create a wave to trigger crossovers. He alerted his political rivals. He tried to destabilize to create room for him to manoeuvre. He never had the numbers but tried to create the numbers by stampeding MPs. His plan failed. He should have worked quietly, gathered the support and make the change when the time was right, not make it into a circus.

Q: Do you think Anwar has given up on toppling the government?

A: Or no…he won’t give up. I hear he is still talking to some MPs and trying to persuade them to crossover.

Q: Now that your benefactor Prime Minister Abdullah is leaving in March 2009, are you exposed in Umno? Or can you work with the new man, Datuk Seri Najib?

A: True, I entered Umno through him but whatever contributions I make is for Umno, the leadership. My concern is for reforms. I have a good relationship with both the PM and DPM. So far they have been receptive.

Q: What are your immediate plans?

A: For now, I have no political ambitions but am focused on expanding the Yayasan, advancing reforms and getting my views incorporated in government policies especially in fighting corruption. I have no plans to contest for any post in Umno or government. I am just an ordinary Umno member.

-TMI