Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should consider admitting that there were excessive and extreme racist positions taken during an Umno Youth rally in Kampung Baru 22 years ago, said Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The matter cropped up on the first day of Parliament, when veteran parliamentarian Karpal Singh attempted to corner Najib, by bringing up the event which had occurred in 1987, prior to Operasi Lalang crackdown on activists and politicians.

kampung buah pala penang karpal singh meet 120609 03 Karpal had asked Najib to clarify whether the latter had uttered anti-Chinese statements during the rally, vowing to bathe the keris with Chinese blood, and whether he was prepared to apologise over the alleged racist statement.

The prime minister, however, denied the claim and added there was no need for him to ask for forgiveness as it never happened.

“That incident never happened. I never said such a thing. I don't have to say sorry. The person who has to say sorry is Bukit Gelugor (MP Karpal Singh),” Najib had said.

Anwar, who was then Umno vice-president, nevertheless stated today that as he was not part of the rally at that point of time, he is not in the position to accuse Najib.

“I was not at the rally, I was the Umno vice-president then... it was organised by Umno Youth and by Najib, (so) I have to just take Najib's assurance and denial in Parliament,” said Anwar.

anwar ibrahim mansor othman pkr penanti by election ceramah 290509 02 However, Anwar added that the records will speak for itself as “there were actually very extreme statements and remarks made”.

“But I think I am not in the position to discuss or accuse Najib, because I am not aware of what he had said,” said Anwar.

“To be fair, my only statement is that, Najib has denied... but documents and banners are available (and) there were very extreme positions, racist and extreme demands and statement (on them),” he added.

Anwar, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP, said that as there were documents and banners as proof so “it is best for Najib to make it clear, if there were excessive (statements) made... and admit it, so that we can move on”.

“I don’t want make it a political issue... since it is in public purview, it is best that the Umno leadership clarifies it, then let move on,” he reiterated.