PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claims of being under pressure from Western powers, particularly the US and Europe due to his outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people have sparked concerns among political leaders.
Several PAS party leaders have raised suspicions over the validity of these claims, demanding transparency from the government regarding the alleged threats.
“The minister should reveal which countries are brave enough to pressure and threaten the prime minister that we love.
“We are unable to accept that the prime minister is facing this, and must send a letter of objection to the relevant embassies (of said countries) that are (located) here,” said Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadli Shaari during a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The PAS information chief urged Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir to disclose the countries pressuring the premier.
In response, Zambry refrained from revealing the sources of pressure, emphasising the government’s commitment not to yield to any form of threats.
“I think it’s best not to reveal who they are in the house, but as the prime minister has mentioned on several occasions, we will not yield to any form of threat that is being done by them.”
Meanwhile, Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan questioned the authenticity of Anwar’s claims, suggesting that the Tambun MP made these allegations to bolster his public image.
“Even more unfortunate, the claim was made at an event that should be fully dedicated to the struggle of the Palestinian people, not riding on it to show the ‘greatness’ of a leader.
“In addition, it can also create a negative image of the country because the PM makes such ‘random and imaginary allegations’,” said the PAS secretary-general.
Moreover, Takiyuddin noted that Malaysia’s firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause and criticising Israel, as well as the nation’s official relations with the Palestinian government and Hamas, was not anything new.
“So why is Anwar suddenly ‘threatened’ and those threats are in the form of ‘statements’ made by (European) MPs?
“If the ‘threat’ in question really exists, isn’t the proper step for the prime minister to take, as the head of government, to call the ambassador or representative of the country involved to convey Malaysia’s objection to it, instead of making an open statement without explanation about it?” he questioned.
Anwar’s claims were made during a pro-Palestine rally on Tuesday (Oct 24) at Axiata Stadium, Bukit Jalil, attended by over 10,000 people. The PM asserted Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause despite the alleged threats.
“I have received much criticism, threats… I say you’ve picked the wrong side. Malaysia is a free and independent country. Malaysia will remain a sovereign nation that upholds freedom and the freedom of the Palestinian people.”
Following the claims, security measures around Anwar have been heightened as confirmed by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Furthermore, MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman called for further clarification on the nature of the threats and those responsible for pressuring the PM.
“This is serious. In international relations, a threat towards the prime minister is the same as threatening the entire country,” he said during a press conference in Parliament today.
He added that both government and opposition MPs would support the PM in the situation. – Oct 26, 2023
Main photo credit: PMO
