Anwar’s absence seen as a slap in PAS’ face

 

(The Star) – PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not attend the opening of the PAS 57th Muktamar yesterday despite PAS leaders, including some ulama, defending him over the sex video issue.

PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim claimed her husband could not attend the event because he was abroad.

Anwar’s absence was seen by many as a slap in PAS’ face as the party had stood by him through thick and thin as he faced one allegation after another.

Although most PAS leaders remained nonchalant, some said Anwar was being disrespectful towards the party that had remained strong in its defence of the Opposition Leader.

Among PAS ulama who had openly spoken in defence of Anwar included Nik Razi Nik Mat of Kelantan who blamed the media for playing up the sex video issue implicating Anwar.

On March 21, the Datuk T trio comprising businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuaib Lazim had exposed the existence of a sex video showing a man resembling Anwar having sex with a woman believed to be a prostitute.

Anwar had lodged a police report claiming that he was not the man in the video.

A delegate who spoke on condition of anonymity said he was not bothered by Anwar’s absence.

“Perhaps it is best he did not come,” he said.