Hadi: Focus on toppling Umno-BN, not Anwar’s replacement

By Syed Mu’az Syed Putra

January 07, 2012

Hadi said it was more important that PR win in the 13th general election. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has urged Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and its supporters to focus on toppling Barisan Nasional (BN) instead of mulling over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s replacement as prime minister candidate should he be convicted for sodomy.

Writing on his Facebook page yesterday, the PAS president said the question of who should be the next prime minister is not as important as PR’s uphill task to wrest Putrajaya from BN in the next general election.

On Monday, the High Court here will deliver its verdict on whether Anwar is guilty of sodomising a former aide, an allegation he has vehemently denied, claiming it is a ploy to destroy his political career.

“What is important is that we must help PR win in the 13th general election.

“The question of who would become prime minister is not important, what is important is that the country is safe, all will be determined by Allah,” Hadi, the Marang MP, said.

Anwar told foreign newswire Bloomberg in a recent interview that the PR leadership has identified a successor to take over as opposition leader should he be jailed.

PKR plans a mass assembly on Monday in support of Anwar to be held in the parking area at the Jalan Duta court complex here.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali had announced on Tuesday that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be amassing a rally of over 100,000 people in a show of support for Anwar next Monday when the High Court delivers its decision on his Sodomy II trial.

Police have given permission for the rally to take place but with 10 conditions including barring participants from “making noise” and giving speeches.

If found guilty, Anwar could spend up to 20 years behind bars but will escape the caning penalty as he is over 60. It would effectively spell the end of his political career and his chance to be prime minister.