Refusal to accept conglomerates 'support' among reasons why Anwar is not PM

KUALA LUMPUR - The existence of conglomerates sponsoring or funding certain political parties in elections is weakening the reformation agenda to eradicate corruption and malpractice.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his refusal to compromise with these groups was the reason why he could not be the Prime Minister.

“Do not underestimate the possibilities in politics. They sponsor elections just to weaken the reformist agenda.

“I admit it is not easy and yes, I have not shown full results but if I were to compromise, I would already become the Prime Minister,” he said during a special Wawancara episode with Sinar Harian on Friday at his office.

Anwar said his stand on corruption and malpractice has made him unpopular.

This, he said, also led to other groups not wanting to help Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

“Surely, I am not popular thus it is difficult to get big figures to help support PKR so long as Anwar is the leader.

“I’ll be honest I can be friends with everyone but to compromise on elections, it will destroy the country,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the Port Dickson MP, said he took a big risk to fight for this issue.

“I still remember in Parliament when I raised the issue of Pandora Papers that involved the former prime minister, former finance minister and other big names from various parties.

“The speaker banned me from talking about it but we needed to talk about it as it was a national interest.

“Billions of ringgit were taken out of the country and these are the same people who want to be the heroes. The ones who want to save the Malays - they are the ones who took hundreds of millions out.

“He has supporters because he has money. That is why has corporate groups are supporting him,” he said.

Anwar, however, did not specify in detail who these people were.