[UPDATED] You chose wrong PM to threaten: Anwar

SHAH ALAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will not be cowed into silence by threats made by certain quarters aimed at toppling him from federal power. 

Addressing thousands of delegates at PKR’s special congress today, the party president said he will no longer allow the previous practice by past leaders, protecting the corrupt and enriching a few to go on. 

He said although he was accused of political persecution against the opposition, Anwar vowed that his government would continue to protect the rakyat and take on those guilty of graft. 

“You want to threaten me by (conducting) an assembly? You want to threaten me from acting against corruption? You chose the wrong prime minister! 

“I will not be influenced by these threats. If we have power, we will act. If you want to try to attempt a coup, by all means. But it will not be easy,” he told PKR delegates.

Anwar’s remark today comes ahead of a planned “Malay proclamation” gathering, which has since been cancelled. It was supposed to be held tomorrow and led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

It is also in light of recent statements and actions by opposition members attempting to stir up racial and religious sentiments, which threaten to harm the fabric of the country’s harmony. 

This follows recent corruption charges against several opposition leaders, including Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. 

Fearing possible unrest stemming from this, Anwar had yesterday instructed security forces in the country to be on alert, adding that he would not tolerate any action that is aimed at increasing the racial and religious temperature. 

In his speech today, Anwar again urged Malaysians to be alert of certain quarters who have lost power and fearing criminal action against them for graft and tax evasion, have resorted to religious bigotry, playing up issues of patriotism and racism to gain support. 

“They asked me to be the prime minister, but then what? I should just play dumb and allow this (corruption and tax evasion) to happen and only collect taxes from the rakyat? 

“Yes, I will collect taxes from the rakyat, but I will not let go of the tycoons and super-rich from evading payment. And this is why we are investigating.” 

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, also took a dig at a certain former prime minister over his recent hypocritical statements claiming to champion the rights of the Malays, when he had syphoned public funds himself. 

“There is someone who was in power for 22 years and later another 22 months, complaining that the Malays have lost everything. They lost because you squandered everything for yourself and your children. 

“Yet you talk about the rakyat. Don’t think the rakyat are stupid. They must rise to defend their rights.” – The Vibes, March 18, 2023