PAS suspicious of PM's 'threatened' over Gaza stand claim

PARLIAMENT | Several PAS leaders have raised suspicions about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's claims that he is under pressure from Western powers - particularly the US and Europe - over his outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people.

Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) today called on Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir to reveal which countries were pressuring the premier.

“The minister should reveal which countries are brave enough to pressure and threaten the prime minister that we love.

“We are unable to accept that the prime minister is facing this, and must send a letter of objection to the relevant embassies (of said countries) that are (located) here,” the PAS information chief said during a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Zambry, however, said that while he appreciated Fadhli’s enthusiasm, it was better not to disclose the sources of the pressure.

“I think it’s best not to reveal who they are in the house, but as the prime minister has mentioned on several occasions, we will not yield to any form of threat that is being done by them,” he added.

‘Is the threat real?’

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan questioned the validity of Anwar’s claims.

He claimed that the prime minister made the allegations to highlight the latter's “greatness” and “importance” to gain public support and trust.

“Even more unfortunate, the claim was made at an event that should be fully dedicated to the struggle of the Palestinian people, not riding on it to show the ‘greatness’ of a leader.

“In addition, it can also create a negative image of the country because the prime minister makes such ‘random and imaginary allegations’,” Takiyuddin said in a statement.

The Kota Bharu MP said that Malaysia’s firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause and criticising Israel, as well as the nation’s official relations with the Palestinian government and Hamas, was not something new.

Takiyuddin also pointed out that prime ministers in the past who were vocal about supporting Palestine were never “threatened” for their assertiveness on the issue.

“So why is Anwar suddenly ‘threatened’ and those threats are in the form of ‘statements’ made by (European) MPs?

“If the ‘threat’ in question really exists, isn't the proper step for the prime minister to take, as the head of government, is to call the ambassador or representative of the country involved to convey Malaysia's objection to it, instead of making an open statement without explanation?”

Anwar made the claims at a pro-Palestine rally at Axiata Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday, which saw an attendance of over 10,000 people.

“I have received much criticism, threats… I say you’ve picked the wrong side.

“Malaysia is a free and independent country. Malaysia will remain a sovereign nation that upholds freedom and the freedom of the Palestinian people,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said Anwar’s security has been tightened since the claims were made.

Meanwhile, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also called for more clarification on who is making the threats to Anwar, as well as the nature of the pressure and whether action should be taken.

“This is serious. In international relations, a threat towards the prime minister is the same as threatening the entire country,” he said during a press conference in Parliament today.

Both government and opposition MPs would support the prime minister in the situation, the Muar MP added.

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