KUALA LUMPUR – While maintaining that it is his prerogative as opposition leader to speak to political colleagues from across the divide, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that he did not, however, speak to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after the Umno general assembly ended two Sundays ago.
Addressing a “leaked” audio of a conversation between them – which both leaders have said is fake – Anwar said a police report will be lodged by his officers today.
“With regard to this specific audio, I can categorically say that it is not an authentic conversation between Zahid and I.”
Anwar, however, said as opposition leader, he talks to everyone.
“That is my prerogative and my responsibility to address issues and come to a common understanding. But if people don’t want to talk to me, that is also their prerogative.”
Anwar stressed that he will continue to do what is needed to unseat the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
Penyebaran audio itu berniat jahat dan merupakan rencana jelek beberapa kerat orang, dan menampakkan betapa gundah gulananya mereka sehingga sanggup merekayasa fitnah. pic.twitter.com/Dg2vjoKXo5
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) April 8, 2021
“As leader of a political coalition that should rightfully be the government of the day, it is my responsibility to remove this backdoor government and return the mandate the people made in 2018.
“It is imperative to do so quickly, judging from this government’s incompetent handling of the pandemic and the economy, with the resulting loss of global confidence, the collective impact on the rakyat is unacceptable,” he told The Vibes today.
Last night, Anwar dismissed the audio as fake, saying that he is being used as a conduit by several parties, including Bersatu, to cause distress in Umno.
This, Anwar said, is a sign of a weak leadership that is panicking and clutching at straws to remain in power.
“They will try lies and deception, then they will threaten. They buy over those who are corrupt but those whom they cannot threaten or buy, they will create slander like this.”
As leader of a political coalition that should rightfully be the government of the day, it is my responsibility to remove this backdoor government and return the mandate the people made in 2018.
Anwar, who is PKR president and Port Dickson MP, added that the latest slur against him is not a new tactic employed by members of the federal administration.
“This obviously shows the turmoil the present administration is in, that it has resorted to lies, threats and bribery.
“But we have to be mature and independent. I believe we will face this with courage and be firm that this will not threaten our efforts to challenge and expose the lies, corruption, wrongdoing and their fear in answering the people.”
He said it was fortunate that PKR has staunch and stalwart allies, such as DAP and Amanah, which will not be swayed by such dirty politics. – The Vibes, April 8, 2021
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