Anwar: Focus on S'wak, ignore diversions

Jimadie Shah Othman & Lee Long Hui

A combative Anwar Ibrahim last night urged Pakatan Rakyat supporters to not be swayed by the latest sex scandal allegation against him and focus on the coalition's goal in the Sarawak elections.

NONESpeaking to thousands at a rally at the Melawati indoor stadium in Shah Alam last night, Anwar said the latest allegation - that he was caught on film with a prostitute - was another concerted attempt to derail the opposition's advances.

He cited how in 2008, sodomy accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan took an oath at a mosque on the eve of nominations for the Permatang Pauh by-election.

NONE“It's a scheme that is very cunning and dirty... Every time there is an election, there is a new allegation against me,” he said.

Putting his case further that he is a victim of a high-level conspiracy, Anwar insinuated that the producers of the scandalous video clip appeared to have Putrajaya's backing.

“This the first time in history that you can distribute a pornographic film and be defended by a minister (and even) the prime minister. There is no crime!

“This means that in this country, they can kill, rape, indulge in graft and show pornographic films and all tutup kes (case closed). Why? Because they are in power,” he thundered to hoots of approval.

Newspaper slammed

Anwar then turned his attention to media organisations who are attacking him over the sex clip, alleging that they, too, are part of the conspiracy.

NONE“There are desperate editors, including those linked to (MCA president Dr) Chua Soi Lek, who are trying to hurt my family.

“Apparently (in one article), when Anwar spoke, (the author wrote) Wan Azizah didn't even smile (while) Nurul Izzah was bowing her head throughout.

“What kind of human being expects a wife to smile when the husband is accused like this? They are stupid,” said Anwar, triggering shouts in agreement.

He said that there was only one thing that the Pakatan coalition can do for now which is to rally its forces and not lose sight of its goals in Sarawak.

'Oust Taib'

Likening Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud to ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak - as both have held their post for 30 years - he said Pakatan has the duty of getting rid of a leader who had outstayed his welcome.

He alleged that the Sarawakian first family had amassed billions of ringgit from ill-gotten gains while the people are languishing in poverty.

“Prime Minister Najib (Abdul Razak) is trying to divert attention from murder, rape and corruption... They want to raise the issue of the video clip and the court case (Sodomy II).

“Don't be tricked... Our agenda to bring change to this country must continue,” he said.

NONEAnwar was speaking at a PKR-hosted rally which also served as a special mass prayer session in response to the latest allegation of sexual misconduct.

Speakers during the rally included PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (right), PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang and PKR supreme council member Johari Abdul.

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