Regarded as a close ally of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, tycoon and influential businessperson Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary today appeared chummy with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
More enthralling was when they described their relationship as “brothers”.
Anwar’s special appearance with Syed Mokhtar took place at the launch of the ‘Orientalist Paintings: Mirror or Mirage?’ exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Syed Mokhtar is the organiser of the exhibition.
During his speech, he referred to Anwar as abang (Malay for elder brother) several times.
Anwar, while delivering his opening speech, said he considered Syed Mokhtar to be a kind-hearted figure despite facing harsh actions from the government.
“He’s very kind in calling me abang, but I am extremely tough with him with regards to Bernas (Padiberas Nasional Bhd).
“It’s not necessarily about Bernas but the state of poverty faced by paddy farmers. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘poverty crop’.
“So I called him the day after I took over (the position of prime minister). I said ‘your abang’ will propose Bernas (to provide a contribution) to show that the Madani government is helping the farmers.
“He said okay. In November (I asked), in December, he promised RM10 million.
“In 2023, RM50 million (more) was promised to be distributed to poor farmers.
“So his passion is not only with the arts but also with the poor.
“I was able to (get RM60 million in aid from Syed Mokhtar) because he is my adik (Malay for younger brother). I know his tendencies,” Anwar said.
‘He is better at making money’
Syed Mokhtar, who is also the Albukhary Foundation chairperson, is often referred to as a business figure who is close to Mahathir.
Meanwhile, Mahathir has often been at loggerheads with Anwar in the political arena for over two decades, except before 1998 when Anwar was deputy prime minister to prime minister Mahathir and ahead of the 14th general election in 2018 when they joined forces under the Pakatan Harapan banner.
In his speech, Anwar did not pass up on the opportunity to tease Syed Mokhtar, who is better known to be a savvy businessperson than an eloquent speaker.
“I know he is not a good speaker, because he is better at making money, and I am good at public speaking,” Anwar said, which drew laughter from the audience.
Anwar also said even his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail knew that his relationship with Syed Mokhtar had been through some rough patches.
“So, thank you for your passion and contribution to this country,” Anwar told Syed Mokhtar, who smiled at the compliment.
Also present at the opening ceremony of the art exhibition were Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Wan Azizah. - Mkini
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