-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -17.Dec.2024, 11.45 PM) In the ever-dramatic arena of Sri Lankan politics, where political ambition meets soap-opera-level plot twists, Rauff Hakeem of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has delivered a knockout legal punch that has left Imtiaz Bakir Markar sprawled on the proverbial canvas. If Muhammad Ali once floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, then Hakim’s legal strategy proved that you don’t need gloves—just a well-timed court order.
The drama began when Bakir, a senior member of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), had his sights firmly set on the coveted National List MP seat. He had everything prepared: speeches rehearsed, his best Hamidiyas suit pressed, and a smug smile plastered across his face. His swearing-in ceremony was meant to be his moment in the sun. But little did he know, Rauff Hakim was waiting in the wings, plotting like a seasoned chess player—or more fittingly, a boxing coach prepping for a title fight.
Just as Bakir adjusted his tie for his big day, Hakim strode into the metaphorical ring, armed not with gloves but with legal documents. The SLMC leader challenged Bakir’s claim to the National List seat in court, securing an interim order at the eleventh hour. It was the kind of dramatic intervention that left Bakir’s supporters gasping and his new suit destined for the donation bin.
Like Ali in his prime, Hakim circled his opponent, waiting for the right moment. Imtiaz Bakir, seemingly clueless, stood there like an overconfident amateur, unaware that his political dreams were seconds away from obliteration. The court’s decision landed like an uppercut, rendering Bakir’s aspirations unconscious on the mat. It wasn’t just a loss; it was an embarrassment. One moment he was practicing his parliamentary oath, and the next, he was sitting on the sidelines, wondering how his dream had evaporated faster than Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves.
The political implications were equally bruising. With Hakim’s move, his loyalist, Nisar Ahamed, slid into the National List MP position, effectively cutting Bakir out of the equation. It wasn’t just a fight for one seat; it was a fight for political survival.
Why would Hakim deliver such a brutal blow? The answer, my dear political sleuths, lies in the intricate web of political maneuvering. Imtiaz Bakir, once a shining star of the SJB, had ambitious plans—not just for himself but for his son, Fadhil Bakir Markar. Fadhil, the young and eager Kandy District organizer for the SJB, was clearly being groomed to step into his father’s oversized shoes.
Hakim, with the instincts of a seasoned political heavyweight, saw the danger. If Imtiaz were to enter Parliament, it would only strengthen his family’s foothold in Sri Lankan politics. And for Hakim, this wasn’t just about Bakir—it was about eliminating both father and son from the equation. The legal punch wasn’t just a one-off jab; it was a masterstroke designed to knock out two opponents with one blow.
What happens to a man who loses so spectacularly? Well, if you’re Imtiaz Bakir, you find yourself wandering in the political wilderness, looking like a refugee from the glory days of your own ambition. With no parliamentary seat, no political power, and no credibility left, Bakir is now the equivalent of a political has-been.
Gone are the days when he could command respect in the SJB ranks. Now, he’s just another ex-politician with a closet full of unworn suits and a WhatsApp group that’s mysteriously silent.
Hakim’s legal masterstroke hasn’t just sidelined Bakir; it’s thrown the entire SJB into disarray. The party, already juggling internal squabbles and external pressures, now has to deal with the fallout of losing a prominent member. With Bakir out of the picture, the party looks like a boxer who forgot to bring gloves to the fight—dazed, confused, and utterly unprepared.
Meanwhile, Hakim is basking in his victory. His legal punch wasn’t just a win for the SLMC; it was a statement. It showed that in the chaotic world of Sri Lankan politics, brains beat brawn every time. Hakim didn’t just outsmart Bakir—he outplayed the entire SJB.
How did Hakim pull this off? The answer lies in his legal arsenal. With the support of heavyweight lawyers like President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, Hakim crafted a legal strategy that was as precise as it was devastating. He knew when to strike, where to hit, and how to ensure that Bakir wouldn’t see it coming.
Hakim’s move wasn’t just about legal expertise; it was about timing. He waited until the last possible moment, ensuring that Bakir had no time to recover. It was the kind of calculated move that would make even the most seasoned politicians nervous.
So, what’s the takeaway from this epic showdown? For one, politics is a brutal game where only the strongest survive. Hakim’s victory wasn’t just about securing a seat; it was about sending a message to his opponents: underestimate me at your peril.
As for Imtiaz Bakir, his story is a cautionary tale. In politics, as in boxing, it’s not enough to show up—you need to be ready to fight. And when your opponent is someone like Hakim, you’d better bring your A-game.
Hakim, the undisputed heavyweight champion of legal boxing, has shown us all that sometimes, a well-timed punch is all it takes to change the game. For that, we salute him.
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by (2024-12-18 00:09:12)
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