Ah Chong's short dissertation of the destiny that is Anwar's, has actually been ringing in the ears of Malaysians ever since his release. Just because not many of us talk about it openly, does not mean that Barisan Nasional leaders can continue believing in their own lies without losing any sleep.

Everywhere we look, in our everyday lives, there are signs of discontent. When government ministers become objects of jokes even among petrol-pump attendants, lorry drivers and teh-tarik crowds, they are symptomatic of the kind of political malaise that prevailed behind the iron curtain in Soviet times. The result is a weaker and poorer nation, in spite of the calm and controlled facade on the surface.

Is it any wonder that almost anyone who did not have to, did not fly our nation's flag atop their vehicles last August? Pak Lah was probably trying hard not to notice this, just as he has tried hard to pretend that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has really retired.

Our nation does not need a mediocre ketua kampung, nor a frustrated and angry old man to helm it. That is why talk of Anwar Ibrahim's return is now discreetly the favourite Malaysian pastime.

Ah Chong had articulated the hope of the disfranchised, the poor, and the despondents. It still spells Anwar Ibrahim. Like it or not. Believe it or not. Que sera sera. InshaAllah.