Anwar trying to ‘fool the world’
By Sira Habibu, The Star
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was moving around freely and did not face any safety threat, contrary to the Opposition Leader’s claims in a foreign publication.
Hitting out at Anwar for stating so to the New Yorker magazine, the minister said Anwar was trying to attract international sympathy and hoodwink the world.
“Anwar is just trying to pull wool over the eyes of the international community,’’ he said, adding that Malaysians have witnessed how freely Anwar moved from state to state to hold ceramah before mammoth crowds.
Anwar was quoted in the magazine’s May 14 issue as saying that he was taking a risk even to meet the foreign journalist for the interview held at a Kuala Lumpur hotel.
The Permatang Pauh MP also claimed in the article that intelligence sources from three countries had warned him to be careful.
Dismissing the allegations as ridiculous, Hishammuddin said Anwar had pulled such stunts before.
“When he was imprisoned, he claimed that the Government tried to kill him with arsenic poisoning. It is now proven that the allegation was baseless,’’ Hishammuddin told The Star.
“Last year Anwar sought refuge at the Turkish Embassy claiming he feared for his life,’’ he said.
Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman said he was shocked, ashamed and hurt by Anwar’s claims, saying that the article had disparaged Malaysia.
“If you read it, as a Malaysian, regardless of what party you belong to, you will (feel it).
“Any Malaysian, regardless of political affiliation, will be very, very hurt. If not, then that person is not Malaysian,’’ he added.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said Anwar was fond of “crying wolf” at certain times.
“He keeps making up stories to create the impression that he is a victim of some government conspiracy,’’ he said.
