Standing by what she said about PM
“For the record, it’s factual. I’ve said it before the elections, I have said it during Bersih 2.0’s demonstrations. I don’t understand why saying it at a different (platform), but containing the same message, is problematic”
(The Star) – An unfazed Nurul Izzah Anwar (pic) has stood her ground over her contentious remarks about Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying that it is important to make her stance clear and that she will continue to speak her mind.
“I’m an optimist. I think we have to make our stance very clear. I did not mean any harm certainly.
“Insyallah (god-willing) I will continue to speak in favour of what is right and what is important,” said the daughter of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference yesterday.
There had been raised eyebrows over her interview with Singapore’s The Straits Times in which she remarked that she was “broken-hearted” over having to once again work with Dr Mahathir, whom she labelled as a “former dictator who wreaked so much damage”.
“For the record, it’s factual. I’ve said it before the elections, I have said it during Bersih 2.0’s demonstrations. I don’t understand why saying it at a different (platform), but containing the same message, is problematic,” she said.
“I think time and again, I have always said that.
“There’s nothing new. Whether with the foreign or local media, my priority is for Malaysians as a legislator.
“Of course, national interests override everything else.”
At the same time, Nurul Izzah said she remained committed to carrying out the reforms which Pakatan Harapan had pledged to Malaysians, among which included her initiatives in reforming the prison system.
“Reforms can be seen through many ways. I have spoken publicly about the matter; that Malaysia needs to defend the vulnerable.
“Insyallah, when I speak to the Singapore media, I will make sure that I stick to the script.
“That’s better than sharing my inner-most sentiments,” she said sarcastically.
During the interview with The Straits Times, Nurul Izzah was also quoted as saying that she would be serving her final term as an MP due to her disappointment with the current Pakatan government’s performance.
Asked to comment over her plans to quit as an MP, she said “let’s cross the bridge when we come to it.”
“I want to contribute in any way I can. That’s the reason why I contested in the first place.”
Nurul Izzah also said that the reforms taking place in the government were at a “sluggish pace”.
“Well, it’s at a sluggish pace. Is it wrong for me to say that? I think it’s okay for a citizen to say it. Anyone can comment on the pace of reforms and insyallah we will work towards it together.”
Nurul Izzah drew flak over her remarks, with Dr Mahathir’s aide accusing her of being immature, irrational and emotional in understanding the prime minister’s stand and the government.
Even her party colleagues, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and N. Surendran attacked her publicly over her comments.
