Did you hear about the Ibrahims?

Kamilia adds up to the long list of the flavour of the week

SUDDENLY, we see the "bin Ibrahims" everywhere. They seem to pop up like bean sprouts in the hot news department of late.

KAMILIA IBRAHIM has come to the fore, thrust into the spotlight by the fate of Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, whose political future is in the balance. This lawyer, the movement's No. 2, is conspicuously quiet even after Shahrizat had announced on Sunday she was quitting as federal minister following controversies surrounding the National Feedlot Corporation.

The latest talk is that Kamilia's supporters are pushing for her to become member of parliament candidate for Kuala Kangsar next.

Another familiar name -- and this one has re-emerged -- is that of LATIF IBRAHIM as news of his tragic death in Kuala Lumpur swept through about a fortnight ago, a sad end to another member of the Angkatan 70an (1970s artistes and entertainers movement). Yes, those remembered for their platform shoes, three-piece suits, baggy pants, Elvis sideburns and Brady Bunch hairstyle.

He left behind his equally well-known sisters, Sophia Ibrahim and Khadijah Ibrahim, both celebrities in their own right.

This name reference has somehow brought us to link it all up to the other Ibrahims of Malaysia who are currently in the glare of attention -- in the news, made famous, or infamous if you like, by all kinds of reasons in all seasons. The following is a soft list. For good effect, I shall leave out their honorifics, with apologies to the respective Tan Sri, Datuk Seri and Datuk.

ANWAR IBRAHIM needs no introduction, of course. He wants to be prime minister very badly and is seeking to make inroads and secure support in Sabah, Sarawak and certain parts of Johor for the extra Parliament seats.

Tall order, some observers say, especially when many Malays and Muslims remember very clearly what he had told The Wall Street Journal about his views on the state of Israel. And his political chameleon image is affecting his credibility.

ABDUL KHALID IBRAHIM: Struggling to deal with the latest Selangor government controversies surrounding sand theft, garbage collection contracts and water supply, in addition to the damage caused by the expulsion of Hasan Ali.

He reckons he can retain Selangor. But without adequate Malay support and with renewed determination from Selangor Barisan Nasional for the battle, he is in trouble.

HARIS IBRAHIM: Lawyer, civil liberties activist and blogger who is a dreamer. My friend thinks the country's woes could be solved with his idealist concepts. Because of that, he harbours ill-feelings towards many and is very much into the presumptuous Asalkan Bukan Umno (Anything But Umno) movement.

ZAID IBRAHIM: One of the most successful lawyers in Malaysia. First, he was in Umno, then Parti Keadilan Rakyat, then president of Kita, first seen to be pro-BN, then pro-Pakatan Rakyat, then wanted to dissolve Kita, now wants to stand for the Kota Baru parliamentary seat under Kita. Zaid, oh Zaid, please make up your mind.

ZAMIL IBRAHIM: A nemesis of Zaid? Looks like it's headed for a "battle of the ZIs" in Kita as Zamil, who heads Kita Kedah and who's strongly pro-BN, was seeking to dislodge Zaid as national president when Zaid was zig-zagging his way. Amusing stuff.

KARIM IBRAHIM: This is the Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) deputy president who is dogged by one controversy after another.

The latest surrounds the doping scandal involving some of the country's leading athletes. He and the top leadership of the MAU should stop for a moment and take stock of the whole athletics scene in Malaysia.

When was the last time Malaysia had a formidable athletics team? For the sake of the country, Karim, do the right thing.

RAZALI IBRAHIM: This Umno Youth vice-chief and federal deputy minister is in fighting mode, challenging veteran Pas leader Mahfuz Omar to provide proof over allegations that his Youth and Sports Ministry was sponsoring the ceramah conducted by Hasan, the ousted ex-Pas Selangor executive council member.

MASHITAH IBRAHIM: The pretty one who is in fighting mode as well. This Kedah senator is keeping pace with the current political heat with prolific statements. The latest is her allegation of the involvement or abetment of some top Pakatan leaders in sex scandals and love affairs.

Did I miss any other anak Ibrahim?