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KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) defended his decision to discuss Malaysia’s struggles with corruption during his international trips, stating that he is merely “speaking the truth”.
Anwar, who was addressing the Dewan Rakyat during Minister’s Question Time today, said that while he is aware of some individuals having qualms with his candour on the nation’s ills, he has no desire to be a “liar” by touting false claims on Malaysia’s situation.
“Corruption and power abuse have become a norm in our country; (they are) a systematic problem.
“Some people say that I am ‘talking bad’ about our country to foreigners but this is our reality. Whether I am speaking in Jakarta or Bangkok, I will speak the truth.
“Why would I tell them that Malaysia is a 100% clean nation? It would be evident that I am a liar (as) we are attempting to implement reforms to better our problems,” he said in response to a supplementary question by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN).
Yesterday, Datuk Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (Pasir Puteh-PN) took issue with Anwar’s speeches during his recent overseas trips, accusing him of tarnishing Malaysia’s name.
While the PAS lawmaker did not go into details, it is understood to be in reference to Anwar’s remarks on corruption committed by previous governments.
Nik Zawawi was later instructed to withdraw his statement after Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor determined that he had violated the standing orders. Government backbenchers accused him of imputing improper motives to the prime minister.
While he complied, he also defended his remarks that Anwar should not have spoken ill of the country, particularly with no court action taken yet. – The Vibes, February 21, 2023