Anwar on 3R: I'm not cruel, but I won't compromise

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed allegations that his administration rules with an iron fist when it comes to matters involving 3R or race, religion and royalty.

However, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson stressed that he would not compromise on the security of the people.

“The opposition calls us cruel (zalim), and (says it) cannot discuss 3R. This is incorrect.

“You want to talk about religion, Islam, or other faiths. You want to talk about race, dissatisfaction, and (express) objections. This is allowed.

“What is not permitted is sedition, instigating violence or stirring racial unrest,” he said.

Further, Anwar emphasised that not addressing these matters can disrupt the country’s stability, especially when directed at the monarchy.

He pointed at earlier claims that Penang was being “Christianised” as an example of a seditious allegation.

Anwar, whose coalition had been a vocal opponent of oppressive laws such as the Sedition Act in the past, said it is dangerous if the laws are too lax, which can lead to abuse.

Conversely, he acknowledged that laws that are too strict could also lead to other problems.

‘Greedy dictators’

Yesterday, Perikatan Nasional chairperson and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that the government has labelled the opposition’s fight to defend the rights of the bumiputera and Islam’s position as a 3R offence.

“The irony is that this government, when it was in opposition, strongly fought for the rights and freedom of the people in the name of reform.

“Today, they are the most greedy dictators. They shamelessly use legal instruments and government institutions to restrict the freedom of expression of the people, especially their political opponents,” he said.

Muhyiddin himself has been charged with sedition over his remarks concerning the appointment of the prime minister after the 2022 general election, which saw Anwar becoming the nation’s 10th leader.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin

During a speech when campaigning for the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan, the PN chief lamented that the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong did not invite him to Istana Negara to be sworn in despite possessing the majority to form the government.

His statement incurred the wrath of the Pahang palace, with the crown prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah stating that it had disparaged his father Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, who was the reigning monarch during the 15th general election.

Muhyiddin defended his remarks as factual and denied that he intended to insult Sultan Abdullah. - Mkini