Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim anticipates that it will be an uphill battle to deal with Deputy Prime Minster Najib Abdul Razak when he becomes premier.

He said this at a press conference, when asked to comment on Pakatan Rakyat's choice of ousted Perak menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as its candidate in the Bukit Gantang by-election in Perak on April 7.

anwar ibrahim and najib Asked whether he views the by-election as a referendum on incoming premier Najib Abdul Razak, he refused to comment directly.

However, he lashed out at Najib when reacting to police use of tear gas last night to break up an opposition rally in Bukit Selambau, Kedah, and the Home Ministry’s suspension of PKR organ Suara Keadilan for three months.

“This pattern of escalating repressive measures is clearly associated with Najib,” he alleged, citing the latter’s role in the collapse of the Perak government, among other matters.

“So this you have to deal with this man, even now as a deputy prime minister entrusted with the responsibility... you can see the battle (that this will involve).

“Another phase of repression has descended on Malaysia as Najib seizes the reins of power. Even before officially taking over as prime minister (he has) unleashed his brutality and violence on the people.”

bukit selambau anwar ceramah police fru attack 240309 08 Anwar denied police claims that the Bukit Selambau rally was an unlawful assembly, saying it was held on private property.

“To justify their iron-(fisted) tactics and blatant violation of the people's fundamental liberties, the police claimed the rally was illegal,” he said.

“Last night's show of brute force is but the latest in a series of harsh and dictatorial action by the government.”

‘Band of marauders’

He further said the suspension of Suara Keadilan and Harakah is a reminder of the “cruel and authoritarian style of leadership” of the past.

“The police have become a band of marauders. The press is muzzled and those who speak the truth about the abuses carried out by the ruling clique are arrested, beaten and bullied,” he said.

“ The Liberation, New York Times, International Herald Tribune and the Philippine Star have all reported the Altantuya Shaariibuu (murder case)...but the local media which is responsible for providing accurate information is banned (from doing so).”

He noted that inaccurate news reports could be challenged in court.

“It’s quite clear that, despite his superficial offer of cooperation and bipartisanship, the olive branch which Najib has extended is really a dagger in disguise,” he added.