PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to show proof over claims that Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid was forced to declare support for Anwar’s leadership.
Speaking after an event at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today, Anwar emphasised that he neither met, nor sent anyone to secure Iskandar’s backing.
He said the allegations were serious and that if Hamzah possesses evidence, he should present it and not make groundless claims. He also urged Hamzah to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
Anwar’s remarks follow Iskandar’s assertion that his endorsement of Anwar was purely in hopes of securing funds for his constituents.
Refuting allegations that he was threatened with corruption charges, he affirmed his clean service record.
“Throughout my tenure in the government, I’ve been free from criminal involvements, especially corruption,” the Kuala Kangsar MP had said in a recent WhatsApp message, according to a report in The Star.
Iskandar had said his engagement with constituents revealed their frustration with political instability.
“Their desire for political cooperation and stability prompted my decision to support Anwar,” he added.
He also emphasised the federal constitution’s freedom of choice and urged all to respect his decision and stop speculating, while reiterating his continued loyalty to Bersatu.
However, Perikatan National said the MP was forced to support Anwar over threats of legal action over corruption issues. PN secretary-general Hamzah claimed Iskandar was intimidated by a senior officer of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
According to Hamzah, Iskandar showed signs of distress in a meeting with PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin due to the alleged pressure. – The Vibes, October 18, 2023
