I have been reading Nassim Taleb’s book Antifragile since 2 months ago. I try to do 20 minutes of reading before I sleep and my pile of bedside books keep piling up. My reading of Antifragile was somewhat abruptly stopped when I gave Rafizi my copy 2 weeks ago at the Budget Forum. I introduced the book and told him to keep it. I now vaguely remember a quote from the book that goes something like this:
The honour of a man is truly tested when his personal safety is at stake.
Due to the Pakatan Rakyat Budget, I have been spending a lot more time with Anwar Ibrahim lately. Ironically, since becoming an MP, our meetings have lessen and become more formal, taking place in Parliament or at official party meetings. For those who have attended one or two of his ceramahs, you will think of him as a powerful orator. His more die hard fans will note his sense of humour. For us who work with him, we enjoy his generosity, wit and honour. Despite facing possible incarceration next week, we witnessed all these in abundance during the Budget sessions in his office and home.
Before politics, I was a corporate lawyer and dealt mostly with alpha male types. Anwar is not a typical big boss. He sees the funny side of life. He mentors and leads us. He is also tough and I have been reprimanded a few times for political mistakes. He has no bitterness despite being jailed for six years. He is committed in leading us as brothers in arms, to bring down a corrupt regime and make Malaysia better. He earns our respect not by fear but by his generosity of spirit. Recently, he knew I worked hard on the Income Tax issue and told me to drive home the victory on the investment panel. He gave me, a first time backbench MP, a day of glory in Parliament. He has an instinctive sense of fairness. He is an honourable man.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday (28th & 29th October), I will be in Putrajaya to support him. At stake is not so much his liberty, at stake is justice in Malaysia. For that, I urge you to join me. For those working, apply for your leave today and join me in prayers of hope in Putrajaya.
