The week that Anwar lost

The eagerly anticipated opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's performance as this week's curtain raiser at the sitting of parliament turned out to be quite a let down.

Instead it was the recently self-anointed Independent parliamentarians who stole the show, one in particular making rather controversial claims against his former compatriots provoking glee among the ranks of the ruling coalition.

They were also on the media's most wanted list, hunted down by reporters throughout the week for their crystal gazing ability on the next defections. And for spilling the beans on their former friends and neighbours.

The star of the Dewan Rakyat independents was Bayan Baru MP Zahrain Hashim (right) during his turn to debate the royal address.

He attacked Anwar on what he claimed were 'unfulfilled promises', and the House erupted into chaos. He was labelled a 'BN attack dog' by the Pakatan MPs for his audacity.

One trick deserves another

Zahrain's chief focus was on assaulting Anwar, mainly on the former's dissatisfaction over the humiliating failure of the Sept 16, 2008 takeover of the federal government episode, which Anwar could not stomach, so much so he walked out of the House.

Although accusing them of being "mercenaries" and resorting to the worst flattery and chicanery to win the faith of government, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution brushed aside the attacks as trivial.

Prior to that, Anwar, who was granted three hours to debate the King's speech, was cornered by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau).

Khairy blasted Anwar for frequently accusing Umno and the BN of painting Pakatan as anti-Malay but failed to acknowledge that one of their own had also levelled similar charges.

Hardly able to counter the attack, Anwar pulled the next best trick, deflate Khairy's rhetoric with the words "good try" before proceeding with his speech on more serious matters such as the country's failed economic ventures and setbacks.

Also rising to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's aid, Khairy defended the '1Malaysia' concept which Anwar alleged has links with Jerusalem's 'One Israel' concept.

Khairy suggested that Anwar be referred to Parliament's Special Rights and Privileges Committee for attempting to tie the government to the Zionist regime.

The much-talked about Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill however, did not turn out to be the main attraction in the House as expected, with the government deciding to put it off indefinately.

Also the government's position on the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act was quizzed by Jasin BN MP Ahmad Hamzah during the debate.

It looks the temperature in the House will continue to rise even after the debate on the royal address is over, for next on the table are the amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA) - as hot a topic as any.

courtesy of Malaysiakini