KLANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that he remains unfazed by years of insults and slanderous accusations, asserting that he has “moved on” to prioritise the welfare of the nation.
Reflecting on the derogatory names he has been called, including being mocked as a former prisoner during the Mahkota by-election and labelled a “Jewish agent,” Anwar said, "I was also accused of sleeping with women and men. The only thing they haven’t accused me of is sleeping with a cow," drawing laughter from the audience.
"You can insult me; it has no meaning to me. But, please be civil," he remarked during a meet-and-greet session with employees of Westports Malaysia Bhd on Friday (Sept 27).
Anwar also addressed the Opposition's attempts to undermine his credibility by referencing his past criminal charges and status as an ex-convict.
He clarified that recent actions taken against certain individuals were not motivated by spite. "We have warned them for a year: don’t steal and don’t take bribes. Otherwise, we will come after you."
He dismissed concerns that action could not be taken against high-profile individuals, saying, "Some say action cannot be taken because it involves a Tun or Tan Sri and tycoons but do I care? I have no responsibility for this."
The Prime Minister noted that some unnamed leaders were upset when asked to declare their assets, saying, "Some claimed they were being persecuted. But when I was in prison for more than 10 years, I never brought it up. Now, those who are asked to declare their assets are making such a big fuss."
"I just want to move on and look after Malaysia so that our country becomes great again," Anwar added.
On Thursday (Sept 26), the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) denied claims that Anwar instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, his sons and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the PMO also refuted claims that Anwar had instructed MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki not to investigate share purchases by Anwar’s former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador.
"The Prime Minister’s Office affirms that the Prime Minister has never issued directives or interfered in investigations conducted by the MACC. The MACC operates as an independent body, acting on the basis of complaints received," the PMO stated.
The Bloomberg report suggested that Anwar, who became Prime Minister in November 2022, may have reasons to target political opponents who have oppressed him over the years. It noted that Dr. Mahathir had dismissed Anwar from his positions as Deputy Prime Minister in 1998 and Finance Minister before Anwar’s subsequent arrest and imprisonment.
The report also claimed that the MACC has initiated investigations into at least three of Anwar’s adversaries and their families, including Dr. Mahathir, while not yet acting on a complaint regarding share purchases by one of Anwar’s allies.
