‘Anwar eyeing Selangor money’
He needs a war chest to take him to Putrajaya, says a pro-government group
Athi Shankar, FMT
Anwar Ibrahim’s bid for the Kajang state seat is part of his strategy to gain access to Selangor’s rich coffers, according to the pro-establishment Centre for Political Awareness Malaysia (CPAM).
“At a time when budgets are tight, Anwar once again has put his personal interests above everything else,” CPAM president Huan Cheng Guan told FMT today.
“His power play could cost taxpayers over RM4 million.”
Huan said Anwar appeared to be aiming for the Menteri Besar’s post from where he could set up a war chest to finance his campaign in the next general election.
“So he is busy knifing friends, allies and public coffers to get the prize he has coveted his whole life: the keys to Putrajaya.”
He said even Anwar’s allies had condemned the Kajang move, noting that the press had quoted Bersih leader S Ambiga as saying “the people are not happy” because “money has to be spent”.
He also pointed out news reports about Selangor PAS leaders hinting that the party would not back Anwar in any bid to replace Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Heng said it was disingenuous for PKR to force an expensive by-election when Pakatan Rakyat had been criticising the withdrawal of government subsidies and blaming Barisan Nasional for the rising cost of living.
