Hishamuddin Hussein and Saddam Hussein, what do they have in common?
Yes, they share the same surname and they’re both Muslims. But that doesn’t seem to be all of the similarities.
While I was reading The Star over the weekend, I saw this interview with our local Hussein. On the page was a small picture of him brandishing the keris.
Imagine this…
Image courtesy utusan.com.my
…just that he was holding the keris straight up to the sky. Just like a lightning rod. Ironically, that is what he became in the media lately. The lightning rod for UMNO critics.
When I saw the photo, I was suddenly reminded of the Iraqi Hussein.
Why?
Although most might not remember the photo I had in mind, I believe that the essence of that picture of Saddam Hussein remained in the Malaysian public’s subconscious. Not in the conscious mind because the photo was taken way back in 2001 (this proves my brain’s capacity for storing junk and linking them together btw) and nobody has publicly drawn attention to this two photos.
Granted, it might be too controversial/sensitive to be publicised. As such, I am not implying anything by drawing the link here, just trying to put a finger on why the general public was spooked by the keris waving (besides the fact that it’s a weapon!).
Now, for the next photo.
Saddam Hussein staged a surprise military parade back in late 2000. Can you remember how he started off the military parade?
Image courtesy bbc.co.uk
That’s right, by brandishing a rifle and firing two shots.
Now can somebody please tell me this is purely coincidental?
