Irked by PM's 'grandstanding' remark, Puad swipes at reform promises

Umno leader Puad Zarkashi reacted to claims that those objecting to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) acquiring Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares were grandstanding and trying to be “more heroic”.

In a brief post on social media, the party supreme council member took apparent aim at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying some pretended to be heroes before taking power but could not deliver on their promises.

“Those who object to the sale of MAHB shares to GIP are considered as pretending to be heroes. This is the best political expression post-GE14.

“In fact, before GE14 (2018), many pretended to be heroes. (They said they) would lower oil prices, car prices, toll prices, remove PTPTN loans, remove corruption and closed tenders.

“They pretended to be warriors before they got keris (power). But now they have the dagger, they put it straight in the sarong,” said Puad (above).

GIP is a firm which is set to be acquired by Blackrock, a US-based investment company accused of funding the genocide in Gaza.

Anwar said while he has cancelled all ties with Israel-owned companies based in Israel, Malaysia’s economy will be impacted if the same is done with all Israel-linked companies operating outside that country.

“Which ship was allowed in by the former prime minister in 2002, and continued by all subsequent governments, leaders, including a former prime minister who is making noise now?”, Anwar said on Friday, referring to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Unimpressed, Puad appeared to take aim at Anwar and his supporters who promised reform should they be given the opportunity to lead the nation.

“So who is pretending to be a hero?

“Apparently those rolling around on the road and sleeping in Dataran Merdeka are fake heroes,” said Puad, referencing the various protesters against the previous Umno-led regime.

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