Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reprimanded opposition chief Hamzah Zainudin for accusing Putrajaya of forcing Kuala Kangsar MP into supporting the government.
Speaking to reporters in Putrajaya this morning, he said it was a very serious accusation and Hamzah should bring the matter to authorities with evidence to support his claim.
"If he has any evidence, he should prove his accusation. 'Jangan pakai bebal saja' (do not simply shoot your mouth off).
"If he indeed has any proof, this is a very serious allegation and he should lodge a report so an investigation can be carried out by authorities," Anwar said.
The prime minister was asked to comment on a recent announcement by Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid from Perikatan Nasional, who said he now supports Anwar’s premiership.
Following the announcement, PN secretary-general Hamzah (above, right) accused the government of using intimidation to get Iskandar into doing so.
‘I had not contacted him’
Anwar also denied that he had contacted the Kuala Kangsar MP nor had he sent any representative to meet Iskandar.
"What I know is that I have not met with him, I had not contacted him, nor did I send any representative to see him.
"And I certainly do not know who had purportedly threatened him," he said.
However, the prime minister added, he welcomed Iskandar's decision to support his leadership albeit wanting to remain with PN.
On Oct 12, Iskandar, who is a Bersatu member, voiced his support for Anwar’s leadership, citing the rising cost of living in his constituency.
He reportedly said that the decision was also meant to test whether the prime minister was sincere in providing allocation to any MP who supports the unity government’s policies.
Following this, Hamzah issued a statement the next day claiming that MACC had threatened Iskandar with corruption charges if he declined to support the government.
MACC chief Azam Baki has since denied the allegation, and described it as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the agency.
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