Anwar to rally crowd: Monitor Pakatan’s elected representatives
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should continue to monitor Pakatan Harapan elected representatives to ensure they will not abuse their powers, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his first public speech hours after his release, the PKR adviser also reminded Pakatan’s representatives not to be arrogant after the historic win in the 14th General Election.
“Don’t be arrogant. How many of us get to be state assemblymen and MPs and how many of us did not get anything in return, despite being sincere in our struggles? So, hold on to (your) integrity and don’t be careless. And please monitor our elected representatives.
“If you see them marry again, change their cars or buy a new apartment, when we find out, we will lesing (whack) them,” he said during a rally at Padang Timur here last night to mark his release.
Anwar, 70, had walked out of the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital at 11.30am yesterday a free man after spending several years in prison after being convicted of sodomy in 2015.
He was finally freed following a full and immediate pardon by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V after the Royal Pardons Board meeting.
Anwar also chided some Pakatan leaders and reminded them to be mindful of their ambitions to be Cabinet ministers.
“Look in the mirror first. Alhamdulilah, we won and the rakyat supported us.
“So do your work first. Jangan sibuk nak jadi menteri (Don’t be in a hurry to become a minister). Work has to go on,” he said to applause from the large crowd.
Anwar also said Pakatan leaders should be grateful for their victory, and that they must never operate the same way as Barisan Nasional which ruled the country for the past 61 years.
“We want to be better and make sure that the country’s wealth is transferred to the common people,” he said.
Despite muddy fields and soggy weather from an afternoon downpour, thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of Anwar and hear him out.
They came armed with umbrellas and clad in T-shirts bearing PKR’s trademark biru muda (light blue) colour.
The mood was joyous as vuvuzela horns and cries of “reformasi” resounded in the air.
Also present were PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and several other Pakatan leaders.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was, however, not present at the event.