Anwar unfazed by the collection of SDs, ‘noise’ to topple govt
SEPANG: The attacks on the government are continuing unabated into the new year, with talk of the “Dubai Move” and the supposed collection of statutory declarations (SDs) by the Opposition Perikatan Nasional.
However, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is keeping his cool and remains unfazed by all the noise.
“I just want to work. I don’t have to comment. I will answer when there are major issues,” the Prime Minister said when asked about claims by Perikatan election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor that the coalition “had the numbers” to overthrow his government.
ALSO READ: Don’t politicise probe on individuals for graft, says PM
Muhammad Sanusi did not provide details on the number of SDs obtained.
“It is enough. Just wait for the day,” he said.
Last week, when asked about the purported “Dubai Move”, Anwar also said that focusing on work was more crucial than fretting over moves being hatched by the Opposition.
ALSO READ: New format on asset declaration for MPs and admin members soon
While the Prime Minister is staying cool, his senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, said all the talk about toppling the government was a serious matter and had to be stopped to ensure the country could be managed.
Shamsul Iskandar was among those who lodged police reports over the “Dubai Move”.
“Maybe Sanusi thinks this is karaoke. This is not entertainment. This is a serious matter,” he said.
Muhammad Sanusi’s claims came a day after a fake statement – that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had agreed to grant an audience to 118 MPs – had gone viral.
Team work: Anwar meeting with staff members in Puspanitapuri. — Bernama
The statement was purportedly signed by Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, but the Opposition Leader’s office clarified that it was fake. Several Perikatan leaders have also strongly denied any involvement in the purported plot.
Blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin had also claimed that the Opposition had successfully garnered 123 SDs from MPs who had allegedly lost confidence in the Prime Minister. That claim was quickly debunked by Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also pooh-poohed any move to submit SDs, saying that a vote of no confidence was the only option open to the Opposition.
“If there are at all those who signed SDs, it only shows they are afraid of expressing their support openly.
“Maybe that is why the Opposition does not dare to propose a vote of no confidence, although challenged by the Prime Minister to do so,” he said in a Facebook post.
He called on the Opposition to stop such unhealthy polemics and wait for the polls, as their action would not bring any benefit.
“It is only a four-year wait till the general election is held,” he added.
News of the “Dubai Move” first broke when Community Communications Department (J-Kom) deputy director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop claimed on Dec 30 that Perikatan leaders and government backbenchers vacationing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, had met to discuss toppling the government.
Following that, many police reports were made. Shamsul Iskandar said the reports were lodged in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Sabah, Perlis and Sarawak.
“We need to put an end to talk about toppling the government or changing the prime minister,” he said after lodging a report in Putrajaya yesterday.
He said he did not name anyone behind the “Dubai Move” in his report.
“Let the police investigate the matter,” he said, adding that these actions could create political instability, which will threaten the country.
“I’m requesting the police investigate this movement that is clearly against Sections 124b and 124c of the Penal Code,” he said.
Section 124 of the Penal Code deals with activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy and it carries a punishment of up to 20 years in jail.
“I’m confident that with the multiple reports lodged, the police can take stern action,” added Shamsul Iskandar.
