Anwar snaps over 'howling' that govt not defending Islam, critics bark back

 

On Saturday night, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim snapped at his critics in a veiled post on X.

“Howling (melalak) that there is ‘no action’ doesn’t make it true. The country is ruled by laws, not emotions and speculation in the comments section,” he said.

There was no context to the post, leading to different interpretations, including some who assumed the premier was talking about the MACC scandal.

Hours later, national news agency Bernama reported Anwar’s remarks as being in relation to an incident last week where a non-Muslim student uploaded a photo of a Quran being stepped on.

Though the student apologised, saying he had been overcome by anger, the government response was swift.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil condemned the act while police arrested the student and initiated a probe.

However, public anger persisted, leading to Anwar’s clapback.

Backfire

Rather than silencing critics, the premier’s remarks instead prompted more backlash.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, in a Facebook post yesterday, said it was better to “howl” in defence of the Quran rather than telling lies and rolling in the streets to become prime minister.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh issued similar remarks and called Anwar “stupid”. Similar sentiments were also widespread on social media.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

PAS young women’s chief Mardhiyyah Johari said while those familiar with the prime minister’s oratory skills would not find the “howling” remarks uncharacteristic, it begged the question why he could not respond like a statesperson.

“Just give the answer that was asked for. An answer, not sarcasm or nonsense. You’re the country’s leader,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday.

‘Religious insult will not be taken lightly’

Anwar doubled down on his remarks last night, telling the media that there is no compromise on the Quran-stepping case. 

However, he called for patience while the police wrap up their investigation. This includes determining whether the youth was sane or otherwise.

He said that insults towards any religion in Malaysia will not be taken lightly, as there is a need to preserve national harmony.

Meanwhile, Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman said in a statement last night that investigation papers will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today for further action.

The case is being investigated under the Sedition Act, Section 298 of the Penal Code for hurting religious feelings, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for abuse of network facilities. - Mkini