JULY 31 — Many people are understandably upset. Many more are feeling despondent.

Many are worried.

Many are even depressed. 

Of course, there are some who are rejoicing, especially if you are the one getting promoted out of the blue.

I  have a sense of déjà vu. I have seen this happen before. Not once, but many times.

In October 1987, when Operation Lalang was launched, and many newspapers were shut down, we all felt what we are feeling right now.

In 1988, when the then Lord President was sacked by a tribunal, the same feeling arose.

Then in 1998, during the height of the financial crisis, when our currency was sinking lower and lower, and the sudden sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as deputy prime minister, we again experienced this feeling of despondency and uncertainty.

Lest some of my readers may be too young at that time, let me inform you that all these occurred during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.

But Malaysians “mudah lupa” (easily forgetful); after each episode, Dr Mahathir went from strength to strength, leading BN to win by more than two thirds of seats after each of these events.

I remember in the mid 90s, especially around the year 1995, he was enjoying the strong support of Malaysians, despite what he had done in the 80s, which had irreparably weakened various institutions of our country. 

The mechanism of check and balance, so tediously laid down by our earlier leaders was tossed to the wind.

He was hailed as a great leader, and in private conversations I have had with many of my businessmen friends, they told me variously that “clear water has no fish”, “the end results justify the means” etc etc. 

By then the people not only forgot the harm he has done in the 80s, but they adored him as a great dictator who was able to provide stability and put money in everyone’s pockets by means of charting a steady growth rate. 

Malaysians mudah lupa, yes! 

Now, we Malaysians are facing yet another sandiwara.

The student has learned well and using the same strong arm tactics, he is doing a “Dr Mahathir”.

He must be secretly hoping that since we Malaysians have this  “mudah lupa” tendencies, if he can buy time, and give stability and good growth rate to the country, people will forget and forgive.  

After all, most of the people are like the Joe-6-pack of America, as long as there is enough to spend for himself and his family, other things are secondary.

One thing in his favour is the power of incumbency.

As No1, with all mechanism of check and balance weakened, and his enormous power to dispense both positions and favours, people with aspirations to climb ladders will succumb to enticement and give him full support.

So will those with skeletons in their closets — there must be tonnes of them. 

So he must be hoping that after a couple of years, people will forget.

The main difference between the situation now and the earlier crisis is that the people are much better informed nowadays, with Internet and online media taking over the role of watchdog.

Furthermore, the people especially those in urban areas are affected by bread and butter issues, no thanks to the inflation brought about by the untimely imposition of Goods and Services Tax, and the plunging commodities prices and the value of the ringgit.

Will Malaysians still be “mudah lupa”?

Only time will tell. 

* This is the personal opinion of the organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.