Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waytha Moorthy has challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to clarify whether he was referring to him when alleging that a former minister from the previous government was stoking racial tensions.
“If the prime minister was referring to me, he must say so openly and produce the evidence upon which his allegations are based.
“If the prime minister was not referring to me, then he is under an immediate obligation to publicly identify the former minister concerned.
“The allegations he has made are so serious that failure to name the individual amounts to irresponsible governance and a dereliction of duty,” he said in a statement.
Waytha, who served as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of national unity and social well-being under the Pakatan Harapan government, was responding to Anwar’s remarks this morning on the issue of “illegal” temples.
The Star quoted the prime minister as saying that a former minister, whom he did not name, was attempting to capitalise on the issue by stoking racial tensions.
“Some claimed that Hindus are not allowed to practise their religion in Malaysia and also alleged that Hindus are being murdered.
“Some even claimed that Anwar is questioning the rights of other races. These issues were raised by a former minister during the previous government, and we cannot allow this,” Anwar had said.
The Star also reported that the premier was believed to be referring to Waytha.
However, in the speech text released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Anwar’s quote on the “killing of Hindus” stated: “It was then mentioned, among other things, how Hindus were killed while in detention.”
Most serious allegations
Describing Anwar’s allegations as most serious, Waytha said that when such accusations are made by a sitting prime minister, they are not political commentary but assertions of fact carrying grave legal consequences.
“From the context and content of the prime minister’s remarks, the clear insinuation is that I am the former minister being referred to. If that is the case, then the prime minister has crossed a very serious line.
“To accuse a former minister of stoking racial hatred and propagating claims of religious persecution and murder is not mere rhetoric. If true, such conduct would amount to criminal offences under the law and would warrant immediate police arrest, investigation and prosecution.
“If untrue, the prime minister’s remarks constitute reckless defamation, abuse of power, and a deliberate attempt to damage reputation/character assassination through innuendo rather than evidence,” he added.
‘No one is above the law’
Waytha said the prime minister cannot be permitted to hide behind “ambiguity, implication, or political cowardice”, adding that the office he holds carries a duty of accuracy, restraint, and accountability.
“Anonymous accusations from the prime minister’s office are unacceptable in a democracy governed by the rule of law,” he added.
Waytha, who is also a lawyer, argued that baseless accusations of racial incitement and religious persecution made by the prime minister are not protected by office, power, or political speech.
“No one - least of all the prime minister - is above the law. The prime minister must now decide whether he stands by his words or retreats from them. The 48 hours commence now,” he added. - Mkini
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