Not bowing to threats to topple unity govt

Friday 02 Jun 2023

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SHAH ALAM (March 18): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday (March 18) he is not afraid of attempts or threats to topple the unity government, as he is confident it will remain strong with the support of leaders of parties in the administration.

Speaking at the Special PKR National Congress 2023 here, Anwar said he is prepared to deal with plans by "corrupt people", who are "out to undermine him".

“This is my court (the PKR congress). I have been patient for four months. Today, I speak as the president of PKR — the reformasi (reform) movement. If you want to threaten me with an assembly in the hope that action will not be taken against the corrupt, you have picked on the wrong PM.

“I do not bow to threats. We will implement according to the power granted us. If you want to try to seize [the government administration], go ahead, but it won’t be easy. We are well prepared,” he said in his maiden address to the PKR congress as the 10th PM of Malaysia.

Anwar’s speech was greeted with loud cheers by the estimated 3,000 delegates and observers attending the congress at Stadium Malawati.

Saying he is aware that certain quarters had been criticising his administration, Anwar reiterated that leaders in the current government had never interfered with judicial independence or matters concerning the award of tenders.

The PM said he is confident the unity government could complete its five-year term, as it enjoys solid support from leaders of parties that are part of the administration.

Anwar claimed that previous leaders had protected criminals and corrupt people, and used their power to protect themselves at the expense of the rakyat.

He said this was very different from the unity government, which clearly protects the rakyat, and goes after the corrupt and filthy rich "tauke" (businessmen) who evade taxes.

Anwar said the contributions given by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary to padi farmers throughout the country are the result of the current government’s initiative to help the people.

“That was what we (the unity government) chose to do. What did they (the previous government) do? Some RM200 million went into their party accounts…I know of others too, but I have yet to disclose them,” he said.

Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), which is controlled by Syed Mokhtar, has agreed to the PM’s request to provide an allocation of RM60 million to help padi farmers in the country.

Bernas has also agreed to share its profits from rice imports by contributing 30% of its net profit to padi farmers.

The one-day PKR congress focused on the party’s preparations to face the election due this year for six states, namely Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Kedah and Terengganu, and efforts to strengthen the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which Anwar chairs, and the unity government.

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