PAS veep: Anwar's UPSR quip irresponsible, immature

PAS has censured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for comparing Bersih’s poor grading of his government to the UPSR examination.

“It is irresponsible and immature,” said vice-president Amar Abdullah.

“As the top leader, he should view the criticism seriously and display his commitment to address the weaknesses in his administration,” he added in a statement.

Amar (above) said Bersih’s “D” grading showed that Anwar failed to deliver his promises of reform and that ridiculing the matter would further erode public confidence in his administration.

“What is needed is not rhetoric or jokes but concrete actions which can bring change,” he added.

Yesterday, Anwar downplayed Bersih’s midterm report card, saying that his administration would score an “A” in the SPM examination.

Amar also questioned the prime minister over the latter’s disclosure that 70 to 80 percent of the costs associated with his official trips to five countries were borne by private companies accompanying the delegation.

Anwar said this approach was adopted under his administration to ensure that the expenses for overseas official visits were managed as efficiently as possible.

However, the PAS leader said it could lead to possible conflicts of interest that could undermine the Madani government’s integrity.

“It also creates the perception that government decisions can be influenced by the interests of these sponsors.

“What is more concerning is that it sets a bad example for civil servants. It can potentially give birth to a culture of cronyism and corruption,” he added.

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Yesterday, Bersatu lawmaker Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal urged the prime minister to reveal the identities of the companies which sponsored his trips.

“Who are they, and what is their interest? This is another example of governance failure. Is this even legal?” he asked.

The Machang MP also questioned the travel expenses of former PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who was seen accompanying her father at official events during his overseas trip.

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