Anwar: Azmin offended? His problem, not mine

MELAKA: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) appeared unfazed that a remark in the opening of his policy speech offended his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

“If he is offended, that is his problem, not mine. That is a historical fact in the Sulalatus Salatin (Malay Annals). That is Malay history,” he told reporters.

Anwar had been asked about his remark that touched on the history of Melaka after leaving the PKR national congress at the Melaka International Trade Congress on Saturday (Dec 7).

During his policy speech, Anwar made no mention of Azmin’s name but warned delegates of traitors within the party and quoted the story of Si Kitol and Raja Mendeliar and Melaka’s history.

According to the Malay Annals, Si Kitol and Raja Mendeliar were the traitors that caused the downfall of the Melaka Sultanate to the Portuguese in 1511.

Asked about a walkout of about 100 delegates that took place after a speech by former Alor Setar MP Gooi Hsiao Leung, Anwar said that the hall was full and added that not many left.

Anwar said that the content of the speeches made by delegates could not be controlled, as they could only be advised to refrain from uttering statements that could offend anyone.

“If they want to speak about disciplinary issues or absences in meetings, how can I stop them?

"It depends on the delegates; it will be difficult to control delegates from speaking. These delegates are chosen by their respective states, not the secretariat,” he said.

Earlier, more than 100 participants staged a walkout after claiming that speeches made by delegates during the congress were mostly critical of Azmin.

In a joint statement signed by Azmin and central committee leaders aligned to his faction, they said that they decided to skip Saturday (Dec 7)’s proceedings following speeches by delegates which were deemed provocative.

They said that Anwar’s speech- which had begun with the story of Si Kitol and Raja Mendeliar - had triggered personal attacks by delegates during the congress.

The leaders who signed the letter were Zuraida Kamaruddin, Tian Chua, Haniza Mohamed Talha, Hilman Idham, Baru Bian, Amirudin Shaari, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Sivarasa Rasiah among others.