By The Kulit Pisang Editorial Team

By signing up as Opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim has effectively given up hopes of being Prime Minister by Sept 16, or any time before the next general elections.

That is the unintended bonus for the hundreds of thousand poor families banking on the Government economic measures to work so that the Ringgit will serve them better. Their well being hinges on swift and successful implementation of Budget 2009 priorities tabled by the Prime Minister two days before Merdeka Day.

As Opposition leader, Anwar shall be part of the parliamentary process to give force to those fresh strategies. He shall craft and execute the Opposition line and organise debates dissecting the Budget proposals presented by the Prime Minister, rather than incite backbenchers to crossover.

Minus the democratic transgressions Anwar was contemplating before he was elected MP, the Opposition leader would be questioning the Government on the merits of the Budget, highlight issues, and make sure the Government keep to its promises.

Alas, the increased democratic space and the cherished New Democracy of wholesome debates, scrutiny and raising standards all around has not been apparent because Anwar has thus far been trying to topple the Government from outside Parliament.

The full capacity of this New Democracy shall begin to take shape now that Anwar Ibrahim has accepted the role and responsibilities of Opposition leader, hence dropping this idea of seizing the legitimate mandate given to the Barisan Nasional.

Anwar must have surely accepted that all the speculation associated with Sept 16, the date he promised BN will be dethroned, has caused lots of uncertainties and economic distress.

The biggest victim of this power-grab idea has been the poor, who must be blaming the Government for the new economic issues that have befallen them. With Sept 16 out of the way, the Government should be able to focus on Budget 2009 in restoring confidence in the economy.

At times of economic exertions such as this, classy politicians anywhere in the world would be trying their best to defend and protect the economy so that the people will not suffer. In the interim, Anwar and associates should craft emphatic economic strategies to be presented to the electorate at the next general elections.

Indeed, the nation should thank Dr Wan Azizah Ismail for vacating her seat hence allowing Anwar Ibrahim to return to Parliament so that he conducts politics by the exacting standards of parliamentary democracy.

As Opposition leader, Wan Azizah and Lim Kit Siang were holed up in Parliament. Anwar will have to emulate them.