Anwar slams Umno over doctored Guan Eng photo

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took his campaign against the Barisan Nasional (BN) to his political fortress here last night when he accused the ruling coalition of circulating a doctored picture of Lim Guan Eng slaughtering a cow in a bid to win more support.

Anwar said the action showed that the coalition was desperate for superimposing a picture of the Penang chief minister over that of someone slaughtering a cow for Muslims consumption.

He urged the Malays not to be fooled by what he claimed to be Umno’s lies.

“Do not follow the practice of Umno and BN. Deception is their routine to win over support,” the Permatang Pauh MP told reporters after presenting Aidilfitri gifts to mosque officials here.

Anwar said Muslims should show respect for the holy month of Ramadan by abandoning the practice of slandering political opponents.

Earlier Penang Umno had denied any involvement with the circulation of the picture, challenging Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to prove their allegation.

Its secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said the Malay party had no knowledge of the picture adding that it was not Umno’s style to gain popularity.

“Making false accusations is not our way. If it is true Umno was behind it show the evidence. Diverting the public attention to cover up own mistakes is also not Umno’s style,” said Azhar.

Anwar also said that Umno leaders have tarnished the image of Islam by politicising the mosque visits by non-Muslims.

“Non-Muslim visiting mosques or surau is not new. It has been a normal practice to approach the Muslim community,” said Anwar.

“Because Umno and BN have run out of political issue, so they sensationalise this thing while at the same time some of their leaders are responsible for undermining religious institution,” he added.

On his visit to Sarawak recently, Anwar said the party has been getting encouraging response.

“We have a good chance there, but the media is not being fair to us by not reporting the truth,” said Anwar.

“But we will work harder to strengthen ourselves ahead of the general election so we can fight for the interest of the people there,” he said.

The event last night was also attended by Penang Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Mansor Othman.

courtesy of Malaysian Insider