De facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim has hit out at Bersatu supreme council member Abdul Kadir Jasin over what he described as the latter’s “disparaging remarks” against the royal institution.
At a press conference after his meeting with PKR lawmakers, Anwar said that while he respects an individual’s rights to express their views, in this case, the veteran newsman should have shown more respect and decorum.
He also noted that Kadir’s remarks against the rulers were made without giving an opportunity for the rulers to respond.
“To give disparaging remarks without giving the rulers the opportunity to clarify, that’s not healthy, especially when you use your position and be seen to be close to people in the government.
“I’ve also seen some of the assertions, and there are some major factual errors there, I think we should be mindful of that,” said Anwar when asked for comments on Kadir’s blog post earlier today.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding the appointment of constitutional expert Tommy Thomas as attorney-general, Kadir had said on his blog that the rulers were confident and assured about their position.
RELATED STORIES: ‘Does Kadir Jasin want to abolish the royal institution?’
“For 16 months to April this year, a total of RM256.9 million had been allocated to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for purposes of accommodation, residence and palace, personal items, aircraft and transportation, training and escort equipment, clothing and ceremonial items, gifts and souvenirs, overseas visits and salaries of palace staff,” he wrote.
Kadir, however, did not state the source of his information regarding federal spending on the royals.
According to the Treasury, the government only allocates RM13.5 million annually for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
‘We worked hard to get rulers to appreciate us’
Commenting further, Anwar said he has personally met and will continue to meet with the Malay rulers to get rid of the perception that Pakatan Harapan is anti-royalty.
“We have worked very hard to get Malay rulers to appreciate this new administration,” said Anwar.
In his meetings with the rulers, Anwar said, he also sought to reassure them of Harapan’s commitment towards upholding provisions of the Federal Constitution on Malay rights, as well as the positions of Islam and Bahasa Malaysia.
He added that it has been an “arduous” process to reassure the Malay rulers on Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration, and as such individuals should be mindful in making such remarks.
Meanwhile, Anwar also revealed that he is unlikely to return to Parliament in its first scheduled session on July 16, as he has a list of other international and domestic commitments to fulfil.
He also confirmed that he would return only as a backbencher, and not take up any ministerial positions.
‘PKR to prepare for party polls’
Separately, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told reporters that the party would commence with preparations to hold its party elections beginning this August.
At present, Saifuddin said PKR has been granted an 18-month extension until November to hold its congress, while its party elections must be held before February next year.
He also shared that Anwar had urged all those present at today’s meeting to throw their full support behind the Mahathir administration.
“Anwar said just like his commitment to PKR and Pakatan Harapan, he wants the elected representatives to do the same,” he said.
Saifuddin noted that the special gathering with Anwar today was attended by 51 of 67 PKR assemblypersons, as well as all of its parliamentarians – with exception of Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali and Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, who were overseas.
MKINI
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