Anwar: Nothing wrong with Daim meeting Umno leaders
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says there is nothing wrong with Tun Daim Zainuddin meeting Umno leaders.
“What slander is this... There is nothing wrong with him meeting Umno leaders,” said the PKR president-elect following allegations that the Council of Eminent Persons chairman had met Umno members.
“Even I have met two Umno leaders at the airport, and asked them how they were and whether they wanted to remain in Umno.
“It’s not a problem. I don’t think this should be made into an issue, which would cause tension between us, and say there are plots and so on. “All these I do not entertain.” Anwar was commenting on Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Adam’s allegation that Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had left the party due to pressure from Daim.
On Padang Rengas member of parliament Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz’s backing, Anwar said he would not reject support from anyone, adding that it was not in his nature to be rude.
“I respect Patriot’s (National Patriots Association) views. I will meet them and assure them that the issues they raised will be fought for,” he told a press conference yesterday where he was announced as a candidate in the Port Dickson by-election.
Anwar said he had raised the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and Sungai Besi land issue back in 2011.
“I voiced my disappointment then because (former prime minister) Datuk Seri Najib Razak had marginalised the veterans, especially the navy.
“The rights of veterans and servicemen must be defended. Many MPs and senators will stand up and speak for them.”
Port Dickson MP and former Navy officer Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah had vacated his seat, paving the way for Anwar to contest in his attempt to return to Parliament.
The move to vacate the seat was criticised by Patriot, with its president, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji, saying that Danyal, a retired rear admiral, had betrayed his voters and was “a piece in the chessboard used in the game of politics to suit his party’s convenience”.
PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Negri Sembilan PKR election machinery had held a meeting on the by-election.
“Anwar’s campaign schedule in Port Dickson is being drafted and will be finalised soon.
“The election machinery will be led by Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.”