On one side stand pro government groups and mainstream local media, rooting for the establishment, while on the other, a mostly silent group has been rapt by the sight of local politicians looking wretched under the blaze of global media.
The man in the middle is Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the one politician singled out for the bulk of criticism by overseas media over Malaysia’s handling of the disaster.
Hishammuddin, the well-connected son of a political family, has stood up nearly every day since March 8 when MH370 went missing, taking questions, explaining, putting on a brave face.
His pedigree didn’t show some of the time.
“It was sometimes painful to watch him. There were rabbit-in-the-headlights moments,” one reporter who declined to be named toldThe Malay Mail Online.
Through the twists and turns of the story, from the initial search south of Vietnam, to the men with the stolen identities, to the theories about the pilots and false alarm after false alarm, Hishammuddin was Malaysia’s face to the world.
“That is not how I want Malaysia to be remembered, stumbling and uncertain,” said Jin Lee, as he sipped beer at a Bangsar South watering hole.
“The grilling is no bad thing, Malaysian politicians have had an easy time,” he added.
Malaysia’s main newspapers, meanwhile have been busy, bristling at the criticism aimed at the government and Hishammuddin.
“Since MH370 disappeared on March 8, Hishammuddin has been taking the flurry of media inquiries in his stride with many crediting the 52-year-old minister for his calm and collected manner in handling the press,” the New Straits Times said boldly.
The Star wrote that media reports were clutching at straws, adding that many questions were aimed at making Malaysia look bad.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s guest appearances at crucial junctures to make important media statements also drew a lot of attention
“I think Hisham has proven to be more capable than Najib in these trying times, the real test is when fielding tough and probing questions from the media and family members of victims,” said Azrul Azwar Ahmad Tajuddin, executive director of Institut Rakyat, a think tank.
Najib did not take questions at either appearance, merely reading out pre-written statements.
“Hishammuddin has got better and the picture of him tearing up has got him some sympathy,” another reporter told The Malay Mail Online.
The picture in question came two days ago, showing a visibly moved Hishammuddin in the wake of Najib’s announcement that all 239 people on board the missing jet must be presumed dead.
The picture was re-tweeted many times.
A retweet, from one Roger Tan, called it a “heart wrenching” picture of “Malaysia’s anguish, compassion and resolve.”
Hishammuddin is Malaysia’s acting Transport minister.
An MCA leader is usually given that job. The party must be counting itself lucky for having dodged a bullet.
The Malay Mail Online
Hishamuddin Hussien Latest News Latest News MH370 MH370 politic politic malaysia