'Father of nation' Anwar pans critics over Najib apology row

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rebuked those who criticised him for welcoming former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s apology over the 1MDB scandal.

Anwar said his actions were about showing good leadership, particularly when the other party approached with goodwill.

“There are a few people when I said something in response to Najib’s apology, they got angry and went imbecilic all over the place.

“When someone tenders an apology, don’t tell me I should reject it? What sort of behaviour is this?

“I’m the prime minister…’father of the nation’…when someone apologises, what else should I say? So, I just said I welcome it,” Berita Harian reported him as saying today.

On Oct 24, Najib, in a statement read out by his son Nizar, apologised for the 1MDB debacle but maintained his innocence.

The former premier pointed fingers at fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) and Petrosaudi executives.

Nitwits looking for excuse

The following day, Anwar said he welcomed the former Pekan MP’s apology, but many, including allies and activists, criticised his response.

Without mincing his words, Anwar called his critics nitwits who were looking for an excuse to lash out at him.

The Tambun MP stressed that when it comes to governance, he respects the separation of power.

“If it involves the court, then let the court decide. If it’s about the Pardons Board, then it will be the Agong.

“As someone entrusted by the rakyat (to lead), I must act responsibly. So, when someone approaches us with goodwill, we must reciprocate accordingly. That is good leadership,” Anwar stressed.

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