Izzah more credible than Khairy

Blogger Aspan Alias says he believes Najib did offer Anwar the post of Deputy Prime Minister.

PETALING JAYA: In speculating over whether or not Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak did offer Anwar Ibrahim the job of being his deputy, it is more sensible to believe Nurul Izzah Anwar’s claim than to accept Khairy Jamaluddin’s dismissal of it, according to a blogger’s analysis.

Aspan Alias says one may reasonably assume that Anwar would confide in his daughter, but it would be rather far-fetched to think that Najib would confide in Khairy.

Furthermore, he adds, making backroom dealings would be typical of Anwar. “He is good at saying one thing to leaders of his party and doing another without their knowledge.”

He alleges that Anwar has “always been politically flirtatious” and then takes a swipe at Khairy with this remark: “Those who are new to national politics would not be able to understand this.”

Aspan says Najib too is known for keeping secrets from Umno leaders, “and this was once revealed by Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla”.

He says it was strange that Khairy would deny something he probably knew nothing about.

After all, he adds, it should surprise no one that Najib was capable of making the offer to Anwar.

“Najib has been facing a crisis of confidence. He does not enjoy strong support from members of the Cabinet and he is facing pressure from his own party.

“He would do anything to lengthen his political life, even if the reprieve comes from his political adversary.”

He says he is “certain” that Izzah was speaking the truth. “This is politics. Furthermore, we live by the slogan of ‘endless possibilities’ and anything is therefore possible.”