Anwar demands proof of Sulu allegations by defence minister
(THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – Parti Keadilan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim has demanded proof behind allegations by Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the opposition was involved in the Sulu gunmen intrusion in Lahad Datu in February.
“I would like to know what so-called proof do they have. It seems that the opposition is blamed for everything – the next time Manchester United loses, they will say it is our fault,” he said at a ceramah at the house of Beaufort PKR candidate Datuk Lajim Ukin here.
He alleged that Mr Zahid’s statement that three opposition leaders were involved in the intrusion was yet another attempt to link him to the intrusion.
Mr Anwar added he had no issues with the Sulus, some of whom provided vital labour for Sabah’s construction sector.
“The Sulu people are not our enemies. But we stand against any form of terrorism,” he added.
Mr Anwar’s remarks came as PKR member Darell Leiking claimed he might be named as one of three opposition members Mr Zahid said were involved. The defence minister had said authorities had evidence that the unnamed trio were the culprits behind the intrusion that decimated two villages and killed 10 Malaysian servicemen.
Mr Darell said he might be one of the three names, as he had made a trip to Manila before the February intrusion with PKR leaders R. Sivarasa and Tian Chua.
He said the trip had nothing to do with the Sulus but that they were there to get information on wanted conman Manuel Amalilio, who is accused of cheating 1 billion ringgit (S$407 million) from thousands of Filipinos and now jailed for two years in Sabah for holding a fake Philippines passport.
“We condemn the Sulu incursion and we hope no one distorts the facts to make us look bad,” said Mr Darell who is embroiled in a David-and-Goliath match with seasoned Kadazandusun chief Tan Sri Bernard Dompok for the Penampang parliamentary seat in Sabah.
Mr Darell urged the authorities to publicly name the three opposition leaders accused of the plot so they can defend themselves in court.
