A constrained Dr M is what the nation needs

Gobind announces that Cabinet has decided to suspend the Sedition Act.

Some people think Dr M is going to revert back to his old (authoritarian) ways but the political reality of today is different from when he was PM the first time around. Back then, UMNO was super dominant and the feudalistic culture in UMNO meant everyone kowtowed to the chief. He could do what he wanted and there would be no opposition from his Cabinet members.

It's different now. Let's be frank about this. Everyone knows Dr M's natural inclinations are to keep repressive laws like the Sedition Act. He even kinda wavered when first asked about doing away with the stupid Fake News Act. That's why it's not surprising that he says the Sedition Act will continue to be applied for now and that there's no timeline for its repeal.

But he has a Cabinet full of former Opposition MPs who despise the Sedition Act. Today, Gobind announced that the Cabinet has agreed to suspend the Sedition Act.

“A decision was made by the cabinet yesterday that since we are going to abolish the Sedition Act, action under that act should be suspended temporarily,” Gobind said.

How does Dr M feel about that? He probably doesn't like it but he's a realist. He knows that he needs to continue to have the support of his Cabinet for him to continue being PM for the next two years or so. If they want to suspend the Sedition Act, he's not going to get in their way.

This final two-year term Dr M's last chance to cement his legacy and to shape the lasting perceptions of him for generations to come. There are many things he wants to do and he won't jeopardize this by quibbling over things like the Sedition Act, although if he had his druthers, he'd probably want to retain it.

Heck, he would probably privately support the reintroduction of the ISA if that were possible. But these things are not important in the big scheme of things. Like I said, there are many things he wants to achieve before his time is up. So, he will let it be.

Anwar is right that Dr M is the right man for the moment to run this country. We need someone strong and determined like him to push through prosecution of people like Najib, Rosmah, etc. We also need someone like him to keep the religious authorities in check when they go overboard. But at the same time, we need the Cabinet to ensure that Dr M doesn't have everything his own way. Yes, a constrained Dr M is the right leader for this country in this crucial transition period.