KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has called on Umno politicians facing court cases to mirror the approach of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was in such a position previously.
Kepong Bersatu chief Datuk Norizan Ali, in a statement yesterday, said the PKR president’s perseverance showed that he was not only willing to go through the lengthy trial process, but also ready to be imprisoned.
“Umno leaders should learn from and take a leaf out of Anwar’s book of sheer will. Due to the resolve and confidence shown by Anwar, the party and himself are still accepted by the people during the elections.
“Umno leaders who are facing court cases should take the same approach as Anwar.”
He said certain Umno members should not resort to making political threats as they have yet to clear their names in the courts.
He said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has repeatedly reminded that he will not interfere in judicial affairs.
“In this case, Umno should be big-hearted and open-minded to accept a different situation compared to when Barisan Nasional was in power, by not continuing to practise the blackmail culture, among others.
“The Perikatan Nasional government under Muhyiddin’s leadership was formed solely for the interests of Malays and Islam, as well as to save the country.
“This government was not formed to absolve the sins of Umno leaders who still have court cases for various (alleged) offences.”
Norizan urged the Umno leadership to answer Muhyiddin’s call to build up the country without any hidden agendas or personal interests.
The political game played by the BN lynchpin, including threatening to leave the PN administration, only serves to embarrass the party in the public eye, he said.
“As they always say about fighting for religion, race and country, this is the time for Umno leaders, including those with court cases, to prove those words, and not fight to free themselves from being jailed.” – The Vibes, January 16, 2021
