Grilled on Zahid, Anwar asks: Why refer to him personally?

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political alliance with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues to be a focal point during media interviews. Bloomberg is the latest to grill him on the matter.

Referring to his clarion call against corruption, the prime minister was asked how he can reconcile this with having a number two, who is facing 47 graft charges.

Anwar, whose hold on power hinges on the support of Zahid and those aligned with him, said that he did not want to “prejudge the case”.

“He has been investigated and charged - is undergoing trial and the court should decide independently. I made it very clear that the courts are independent and I do not think I should prejudge the case.

“But it shouldn’t be just purely political. Why refer to him personally when I’ve said that the system is corrupt?

“There are so many other political leaders who have been abusing their positions; former prime ministers, former finance ministers, by the hundreds and millions of dollars,” he said.

Pressed further, Anwar replied: “I’m not here to discuss his case. I am here to suggest that the court process must be independent and he must be given a chance - the fairness to be adjudicated by an independent, impartial court.”

On what would happen if Zahid is convicted and landed in prison, Anwar opted to talk about how things have changed.

“Let us move on. We have to work from day one, to ensure that the system that we have has good governance, and that the system is free from corrupt leaders. And I think to be fair, they have observed these rules now.

“There’s not one trace I can find from any of my team now trying to squander through contracts or projects and I’m fine with that. People should judge me from the last two months,” he added.

Learning over the years

Even before the last general election, there were allegations of a pact between Anwar and Zahid - with political rivals claiming that it would culminate in the latter’s acquittal.

On a separate note, Anwar also indulged in a Shakespearean reflection on his political career since his sacking from the government in 1998.

On how it felt to be the premier after more than two decades of struggle, he said: “Waiting in the corridors of power is of course an experience by itself because you observe the players.

“It’s like King Lear with Cordelia looking at the stage and you learn from the strengths and weaknesses of your foes, and hopefully when you’re in the office, you try and improve, and do your best to serve, Anwar added. - Mkini