NEW YORK, September 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the fact that members of his own party are free to question government policies and actions is clear evidence that his administration has not abandoned the promised reform agenda. He made this statement while responding to questions from CNN’s Christiane Amanpour regarding criticism from a member of his own party, Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim, who alleged that Anwar had abandoned his reform agenda in efforts to combat corruption.
“Look at it from a positive angle; a member from my own party voiced criticism against me, which is a very democratic process. His criticism on that issue…what do you think I should do? Should I then instruct the Attorney General to change his decision?” he asked. The interview with Amanpour, which took place in New York, was broadcast by CNN at 1 a.m. local time today. Earlier, Anwar, who has been in New York since Thursday, delivered a speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the first time as Prime Minister today.
The Prime Minister was also asked about the court case involving Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who was charged with making seditious statements against the Sultan of Selangor, and Amanpour questioned whether this was once again contrary to the promised reform agenda. The royal institution has its procedures…I think there is a need to protect that institution, which the people have decided on since the country gained independence; that’s the system we inherited.
“When someone is alleged to have insulted a king, and the charges are decided by the Attorney General, I mean there is a law; we can amend that law – the law is still there. Anwar said that even though he himself is insulted every day, no one is charged (with insulting him). But when you touch on kings, Sultans, we have a law (about it). I cannot be criticized because (of the prosecution) that’s their decision (the prosecutor’s), especially when it comes to kings. If the issue is criticism of the prime minister, and the prime minister takes action, then it’s valid; your criticism is valid, if not, we have to accept it,” he said.
Anwar said that so far, no one has been charged for criticizing the Prime Minister or the government. Regarding the government’s actions in banning publications related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others (LGBTQ+), such as the recent seizure of Swatch watches by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Anwar said that the consensus of the majority must be respected. I will not defend that action, but it’s the law… Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, whether Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists, have a consensus in the country regarding this; they do not accept this (LGBTQ+).
“But should we then harass them afterward? That’s another matter; I disagree if there are those among them who are harassed,” he added. Was this response better or worse?
