By TAY TIAN YAN, Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE

Who is the top leader of Pakatan Rakyat?

Everyone knew it is Datuk Ser Anwar Ibrahim before this.

Only he can draw PKR, DAP and PAS together; only he has a wealth of administrative experience; only he can push ahead the two-line system, only he has a unique political charisma; only he...

However, these things that can be done "only" by him are gradually missing.

Where is Anwar today?

He is in the United States and the next moment, he is in the Middle East, Indonesia, ...; he is always hurrying and be seen in different countries.

He has an excellent international popularity and image and is seen as the representative of a moderate Islamic society, "Mr Democracy" of the developing countries, as well as a bridge of communication between Western countries and the Muslim community.

Such a role has turned him into an international favourite. Universities and think tanks of the Unites States, the ruling and opposition political parties in Europe, Arab government and semi-official organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations in Asia and Africa like him.

When he is still famous to the world, his heat in domestic politics has started to cool down.

Some PKR members have quitted the party while Selangor PKR has been facing with infighting, Sabah PKR is close to collapse and the party's morale has been weakening...Anwar seemed to feel quite helpless when these happened.

The three component parties are struggling and Pakatan Rakyat is gradually losing its direction. It has failed to trigger the people's passion and resist the offensive of BN...Anwar seems to have no strength to make a change.

Anwar has lost his focus. He should have focused on domestic politics, rectify PKR and lead PKR towards development. However, he did not play the role well.

His failure to change the regime on 16 Sept is a blow to his credibility and at the same time, it has affected his own psychological qualities. Obviously, his self-confidence and charm have greatly reduced.

Of course, the approaching lawsuit is a heavy pressure for him.

Once he is convicted, his political future will probably be put on hold abruptly. Even if he can win the case, it will consume a lot of spirit and will.

At this very moment, his party colleague Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who was brought into the party by Anwar, said that PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, instead of Anwar, should helm Pakatan Rakyat after its registration.

Even though it is merely a suggestion, it is still a blow to Anwar.

At least, the role of "the informal Pakatan Rakyat leader" that he used to enjoyed before has now been questioned. Moreover, it comes from PKR itself instead of PAS or DAP.

Objectively speaking, Nik Aziz is not good enough to replace Anwar in terms of age, physical condition, qualifications and modern concept. But Anwar, who is gradually loosing his fighting spirit and caught in legal suits, has indeed disappointed and worried many of his supporters.

Who is the top leader of Pakatan Rakyat? The question may not be so urgent at the moment but it demands immediate attention on whether Anwar can pick himself up and scale another peak.