'Anwar's criticism of PM overseas irresponsible'

Umno Supreme Council member Sohaimi Shahadan has condemned Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim for allegedly criticising the country's leadership abroad.

Describing Anwar as an irresponsible citizen, he said that as an opposition leader, Anwar should be ethical, principled and nationalistic.

He said Anwar's action clearly reflected that the opposition leader wanted to be a populist politician and sought the sympathy of foreigners over the failure of the opposition pact to win in the 13th General Election last May.

"He should be smarter. As an opposition leader, he should set an example. His attitude is an embarrassment for Malaysians, not speaking the truth and saying bad things about the country.

"Such statements should not come from a politician who is mature because what is said in Indonesia are all lies," Sohaimi told journalists in Jakarta today.

Courtesy call on Zahrain

Sohaimi, who is Pelaburan Mara Berhad chairman, was met after paying a courtesy call on recently-appointed Malaysian ambassador in Indonesia, Zahrain Mohamed Hashim (below), at the Malaysian Embassy.

He was commenting on Anwar allegedly criticising the country's leadership at a public lecture in a university in Jakarta last week, which was attended by about 300 people.

Anwar was also alleged to have claimed that the opposition pact's failure to win in the last general election was because of fraud in the election system.

Sohaimi said he was embarrassed when contacted by his friends in the republic, who asked whether what Anwar had said was true.

He said the government should view seriously Anwar's action.

- Bernama