BUKIT MERTAJAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a sharp rebuke against Perikatan Nasional (PN) for “riding” on the addendum issue for political gain.
He pointed out that amid a firestorm on the matter, many PN leaders had previously spearheaded efforts to hold former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak accountable for the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Anwar noted that it was the former Pakatan Harapan government, led by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, that initiated the investigations and seized millions of ringgit in cash from Najib’s residence.
“Mahathir is now the Mursyidul Am (spiritual advisor) of four states led by PAS,” Anwar said sarcastically during a speech at the Muhibbah Madani 2025 programme, held at the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) compound at Bandar Perda here.
“When was Najib charged? The charges came when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the prime minister.
“When was Najib punished? It was during Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration, when Najib was sent to prison.
“But who is getting blamed? Anwar Ibrahim.”
The prime minister also expressed his astonishment at being labelled a “penderhaka,” (traitor) with calls for his arrest and even the death penalty.
“Kadavulle (God in Tamil). This is politics nowadays. PAS was the one that attacked Najib. Now they are ‘lifting’ him simply due to politics.
“Where are the principles? Where is Islam?” he asked.
Anwar’s remarks came five days after PAS organised a pro-Najib rally outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Monday.
The rally took place despite a royal decree underscoring the King’s prerogative regarding pardons, along with a clear warning from the Inspector-General of Police.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takyuddin Hassan maintained that the rally was not intended to disrespect the royal decree but to uphold the King’s power and prerogative to grant pardons.
The rally saw attendance from several PAS and Bersatu leaders, including Takyuddin, PAS information chief Ahmad Fahdli Shaari, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, and Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. – January 11, 2025