No need for me to swear on the Quran, says Anwar

(The Star) – Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not swear on the Quran that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had asked for funds from the World Bank in 1999.

He claimed that there was no need for him to do so because the World Bank had records to confirm the approval of an application by the Malaysian Government that year.

“I have also issued a statement on the report by the World Bank.

“These are facts and the World Bank approved the application by Malaysia. What is there to swear on?” he asked.

Dr Mahathir challenged Anwar on Satur-day to swear on the Quran in a mosque that he had written a letter to the World Bankasking for funds.

The former prime minister said he was willing to swear in a mosque that he did not write such a letter.

Anwar said the World Bank’s annual report showed the kind of loans given to Malaysia since 1999.

“How am I supposed to find the letter sent by the Government to the World Bank?” he said during a break at the Penang Muslim Congregation Convention at Evergreen Laurel Hotel here yesterday.

Asked to comment on reports of PKR members leaving the party, Anwar said it was “normal” before an election.

“But at polling time, there will be votes,” he quipped.