MI : Pakatan rallies support against Barisan onslaught

“Malaysia must be saved!” — file pic

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and Syed Jaymal Zahiid
PUCHONG, Jan 22 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming Sodomy II case, a major corruption crackdown and being painted as anti-Islam have pushed Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to hold nationwide rallies to keep its support against the Barisan Nasional (BN) onslaught.
Anwar, the PR and PKR de facto leader, held two back-to-back rallies in Selangor to discuss his case, the “Allah” ruling, and the anti-graft swoop on illegal sand-mining that netted a party colleague as he went all out to remind voters of BN’s alleged “cruelty.”
“It is important for people to be aware that Malaysia must be saved!” Anwar exclaimed to a 1,000-crowd who filled the Subang municipal hall here.
The former deputy prime minister, who led PR to a historic win of 82 parliament seats and five states, also slammed BN for failing to “learn” their lesson during the last general elections when Selangor fell into the hands of PR.
“Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister has been talking about 1 Malaysia. Well, let me tell you this. Under his leadership, racial tension has been at its worst since decades ago,” claimed Anwar.
The statement was believed to be in reference to the controversy surrounding the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims, which has escalated into attacks on places of worship in several states.
Anwar then went on to highlight and list down the many “failures” of the BN-led federal government: the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, the Altantuuyaa murder case, investigations into DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s mysterious death, as well as the case of the two jet engines stolen from the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
“It is the law of the jungle here in Malaysia, where the rich escape and the poor pay the price. Until now, the only people charged for the stolen jet engines is a low-ranking army officer,” he noted.
The opposition leader also used himself as an example, where he claimed that the government had tried to end his political career by incarcerating him on trumped-up charges.
Anwar was tipped to replace mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister until he was sacked in September 1998 on charges of sodomy and abuse of power. He was convicted but later acquitted in September 2004.
He is now facing another sodomy charge.
He said that it was his duty to ensure that other people did not suffer the same treatment he did while he was incarcerated.
“The moment I got out of prison, I started fighting for the people’s rights, so that what had happened to me will not happen to another person,” Anwar added.
He blamed the corruption within the country’s legal system, which in turn further damaged Malaysia’s integrity.
“In Islam, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of the people; their security. And the Attorney-General is supposed to be principled, sadly that is not the case in (our Attorney-General) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.”
Najib’s 1 Malaysia campaign of being nothing more than hollow sloganeering and reiterated that under BN, only Umno leaders and their “henchmen” stood to gain, Anwar said to rousing applause from the crowd.
Anwar, who is also Selangor economic advisor, lamented on how Malaysia was trailing behind its Asean counterparts in terms of economic advancement but, at the same time boasted that foreign investors have expressed their interest in starting up projects in Selangor.
The Permatang Pauh MP noted his success has led to jealousy among his former colleagues in Umno.
“Last time, they called me an agent for the Jews, now they call me an agent of the Chinese because PKR, PAS and DAP are united. Let me tell you this. You only become an ‘agent’ for someone when you are corrupt.”
The series of talks by PKR is also seen by some as an effort by Anwar to gather support from the public as the Feb 2 date for his sodomy trial draws closer.
“Najib knows that PR is strong, that is why he is doing this to try and bring me down. We have the power of the prayer with us.
“They will try everything... look at Umno Youth in Kelantan accusing of Tok Guru Datuk Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) of corruption. Nik Aziz is one of the cleanest and [most] honourable leaders I know,” exclaimed Anwar.
The same speech was given at another PKR function in Bandar Tun Razak later last night, in front of another 1,000-strong crowd.
Other leaders present were Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and PKR vice-president Azmin Ali, who both vowed that PR will continue to do its best to protect the interest of the voters through good governance.