SHAH ALAM - Pas finds the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that he is "threatened" due to his criticism of the Israeli government on the ongoing colonisation that has plagued Palestine bizarre and even comical.
According to Pas Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Anwar made this claim during a recent solidarity gathering with the Palestinian people, stating that the threats were received in the form of "statements" made by European Parliament members.
"However, when pressed by the media to explain the claim, he (Anwar) declined to do so, indicating that the government would issue a media statement on the matter.
"Malaysia's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and its criticism of Israel are well-known.
"Previous prime ministers, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, were known for their outspoken stances on this issue, yet none of them reported being "threatened" due to their firm positions," Takiyuddin said.
He said Malaysia also has official relations with the Palestinian government and Hamas under its previous leadership.
"So, why is Anwar suddenly "threatened," and why are these threats in the form of "statements" made by parliament members?
"If such "threats" indeed exist, the appropriate action for the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, should be to call in the ambassador or representative of the relevant country to express Malaysia's objections, rather than making unexplained public statements.
"Pas believes that such "alarmist" statements are meant to highlight the Prime Minister's "greatness" and his personal interests, a recurring characteristic of his administration that continues to struggle to gain public support and trust.
"Regrettably, this claim was made during an event that should have been dedicated entirely to the Palestinian cause rather than being used to showcase a leader's "greatness."
"This could also cast a negative image on the country, as the Prime Minister makes such "baseless and imaginative" claims," Takiyuddin added.