On the first day of the Aidilfitri celebrations, former prime minister Najib Razak urged the people to "forgive and forget" as there was already a new government in place.

But PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said: "The spirit is right but the law must take its course. If it is some personal attack, we can forgive and forget.

"The money he has stolen, that must go through due process."

Anwar said this in Guar Perahu, Permatang Pauh, when asked to comment about Najib's Hari Raya message on his Facebook. 

He was accompanying his wife, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, at an open house tonight.

Although he has no official post after his release from prison and the royal pardon on May 16, Anwar's views are very much sought after by local and international press.

Asked also for her comments on Najib's remark, Wan Azizah merely said "Ditto".

Najib, who was ousted from his post as prime minister at the May 9 polls, is the subject of a national probe by the police and MACC for alleged money laundering activities related to the 1MDB scandal.

Despite strong winds and a thunderstorm earlier, about 3,000 supporters thronged Anwar and Wan Azizah's event, with many jostling to greet the couple and shake their hands.

The couple, who dressed in a matching cream attire, were heavily guarded and reporters were denied the opportunity to ask them further questions.

Also present at the function were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang.

An aide later said Anwar was nursing a pain in his shoulders.

Earlier, during a brief speech, Anwar reiterated that he is free now to rejoin politics after receiving a royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

However, he does not hold any post now and it is "better to work behind the scenes".

"I will be PM when the time is right. Few friends have asked me to contest. If no one gives up their seats, I will wait.

"If I were to be PM, God willing, I will not forget to have the first kenduri in Permatang Pauh," he promised.