Anwar defends himself, Nurul Izzah tells critics of PM's global efforts to 'turn off TV'

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hit back at critics and defended himself on a swathe of issues during his closing address at the PKR congress today.

This included accusations that he is racist.

"I'm the least racist person," he exclaimed, saying he had always maintained good ties with non-Malays even when he led the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim).

Regarding the economy and people's wellbeing, Anwar stated that the aid his government provides through Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) far exceeds what recipients received under the Najib Abdul Razak-era 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M).

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He said under his administration, hardcore poverty has been brought to virtually zero - measuring at 0.09 percent as of 2024.

As for the middle-income group, he said they were the key beneficiaries of fuel subsidies under Budi95, and that most of them also enjoyed subsidised electricity.

Even opposition states like Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah were given aid, he stressed.

‘They’re jealous’

Meanwhile, his daughter Nurul Izzah - in her outgoing speech as PKR deputy president - also defended Anwar's advocacy on the global south - a political term encompassing economically disadvantaged countries with a history of colonialism that were previously referred to as "third world" or "less developed".

Nurul Izzah told domestic critics that it was their right to dislike Anwar's statements regarding the matter on the global stage, but they should not condemn him for it.

Nurul Izzah Anwar

"Anwar as PM represents our voices. He is speaking on the international stage. If you don't like it, turn off the TV. But don't deny his sacrifices, his role. Be fair.

"Some people say that our own country has many problems - why concern ourselves with the problems of other people?

"The problem is that today's world does not allow us to make such a choice," she said, pointing to the ripple effects of the conflict in West Asia.

Nurul Izzah also said those who want to slander Anwar simply because they are "jealous" should go see a psychologist. - Mkini