'I will not be cowed by threats', says Anwar

SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who came out with his guns blazing at his detractors, said the PKR special national congress was his ring to speak out.

The party president added that he had been patient for four months (from the time he became premier) by speaking in a proper manner and following decorum.

"But today, I speak as the PKR and reformation movement president.

"You want to threaten me with a gathering? You want to threaten me for acting against corruption?

"You have chosen the wrong prime minister (to threaten). I will not be cowed by such threats. We have the power and we will use it.

"If you want to seize power, do try by all means, but it will not be that easy. We are prepared," said Anwar.

Anwar also momentarily addressed the 41 guests from the foreign missions who were in attendance and explained the reason behind his outburst.

"Excellencies, I chose this forum (to speak up) as this is the 'reformasi' base," said Anwar.

He reiterated that he was usually more guarded in his replies in Parliament as he believed as the prime minister, he should have decorum.

"But many of my foes have misread this as a sign of weakness.

"Many of the former corrupt leaders, who have amassed billions of ringgit in the past, when given the opportunity to lead, have squandered the wealth of the country and enriched their family members," said Anwar.

He said these past leaders had made their children billionaires and were now talking about Malay survival.

"I will fight them and I will fight them hard. And this country belongs to all Malaysians," said Anwar.

He added Malay was the official language and Islam the official religion and his government would continue to maintain the privileges of the Malays and bumiputras as well as protect the sanctity of the Malays Rulers.

However, said Anwar, his administration would never compromise on the principle that Malaysia is a country for all Malaysians irrespective of their race and creed.

"And if you challenge this, you challenge us and I will use all the authority at my disposal to stop this madness, this insanity of fighting against other races or other religions," he said.

He warned everyone not to play with the racial sentiment fire, as eventually, those who end up being burnt would be the people.

"You will run away in your personal private jets," added Anwar.