IT was probably a mere coincidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was caught up in a ‘heavy routine’ or had prior engagements elsewhere that he was unable to attend at least two deemed major events this week which coincidentally also featured the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).
At a glance, it would certainly not be mandatory for Anwar to be seen accompanying or escorting the Agong at each and every event that the latter will be attending.
Henceforth, one wonders if the so-called observant netizen has any hidden agenda in his WhatsApp text entitled “Kenapa Anwar hilang??” (Where was Anwar?) where he highlighted the Tambun MP’s notable absence from:
- A parade on Monday (Jan 8) by the Armed Forces to proclaim thanks to Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who will be ending his reign as the 16th Agong (neither Anwar nor Deputy PM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended); and
- The opening of Menara Merdeka 118 skyscraper which is touted as the world’s second tallest building on Wednesday (Jan 10) (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is also the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Minister was present).
For the record, Anwar’s last encounter with the Agong was on Tuesday (Jan 9) when he called on Sultan Abdullah at the National Palace to present cabinet papers for deliberation during the weekly cabinet meeting the following day as well as to review some current developments.
Insofar as the royalty is concerned, Anwar had also made a courtesy call on Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim yesterday (Jan 11) in conjunction with his (Anwar) visit to Johor.
Earlier, Anwar who is also the Finance Minister had met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) site as a symbol of the two countries’ commitment to the project which is now 68% completed. – Jan 12, 2024
Main pic credit: The Star
