KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the ability of his own party members to openly criticize the government’s policies and actions is evidence that his administration has not abandoned its promised reform agenda.
This statement follows CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour questioning Anwar about recent criticism from PKR member Hassan Abdul Karim, who accused Anwar of abandoning his fight against corruption.
“Look at it positively, a member of my party expressing criticism against me, it’s a very democratic process. Now his criticism on the issue…what do you expect me to do? Do I then instruct the Attorney General to change his decision?” Anwar responded.
The interview with Amanpour in New York was aired on CNN at 1am local time on Saturday (Sept 23).
Prior to the interview, Anwar, who arrived in New York on Thursday, delivered his first speech as prime minister at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Amanpour also questioned Anwar on the arrest of Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who was later charged with making seditious remarks against the Sultan of Selangor.
In response, Anwar emphasized the need to respect laws, particularly when it involves the Royal institution.
“The system of the royalty has its paraphernalia… I think the need to protect the institution is what the people have decided from the independence, that is the system we inherited. When a person is deemed to be abusive of the Ruler and the charge is preferred by the Attorney General… I mean there is the law, until we are able to amend the law, the law persists,” Anwar explained.
Anwar noted that he has faced daily abuse but has not charged anyone with sedition. However, touching on the issue of the Rulers is subject to the law.
So far, no one has been charged for criticizing the Prime Minister or the government, according to Anwar.
Regarding the government’s ban on LGBTQ+ merchandise, which led to the seizure of Swatch watches four months ago, Anwar stated that the consensus of the masses must be respected.
“Well, I wouldn’t defend that action. But the law…the Muslims, non-Muslims alike, Christians or Hindus or Buddhists, there is a consensus in the country (that) they do not accept this (LGBTQ)… (an) open public display of this. But do we then go and harass them? That’s a different subject, I do not approve of any of them harassing,” he added. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
