Anwar says no qualms about being labelled 'pro-monarchy'

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has no qualms about being labelled by certain quarters as "pro-monarchy", as there is nothing wrong in defending the country's royal institution.

PKR's de facto leader pointed out that the constitution clearly stated that Malaysia practised a government system based on constitutional monarchy.

"Some tried to insult me, by saying that I'm 'pro-monarchy' after meeting with the rulers, and especially when the Johor Sultan visited me during my spinal surgery.

"I have no problems at all being used as a tool to defend the constitutional monarchy system!" he told a crowd during a Pakatan Harapan ceramah for the Sungai Kandis by-election on Tuesday (July 31) night.

Anwar was referring to lawyer Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, who penned a column titled "Don't Kiss the Hands That Beat You", where she questioned the institution of the monarchy in the country, describing it as incompatible with democracy.

Anwar is currently campaigning for PKR in the Sungai Kandis by-election, which will take place this Saturday (Aug 4).

Sungai Kandis is set to see a three-cornered fight between Pakatan, Umno and an independent candidate.

Meanwhile, Anwar said it was alright to master other languages, but he stressed the importance of maintaining Bahasa Malaysia as the national language

"Some people have differing views, that we cannot be strong in English, Mandarin, or Tamil if we want to strengthen the national language.

"But, I disagree. What we want is for the national language to be mastered by all," he added.