KUALA LUMPUR: An alleged bid to topple the government involves not only foreign parties working with local collaborators but also the direct involvement of a prominent Zionist-linked figure, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 3) that the matter was still under active investigation by the police and national security agencies, and urged MPs not to treat it as a partisan issue.
“If tomorrow it is revealed that the person being defended by the Yang Berhormat for Arau is among the prominent Zionist figures involved, used in this programme and project, then wait… be patient, in a week or two, when the matter is exposed, it can be explained.
“Is that who we choose to defend? There is no one else in the world to defend our position other than referring to a Zionist figure who is clearly opposed to Islam and to countries that are defending Gaza, and especially in light of our statement yesterday (on Iran),” he said.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kasim (PN–Arau) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 3).
Previously, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) said it was investigating a powerful individual and an international media agency over allegations of attempts to overthrow the government and sabotage national stability.
The investigation is being carried out by the Classified Crime Investigation Unit, Prosecution/Law Division (D5) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department under Section 124B of the Penal Code.
Expanding on the matter, Anwar said the alleged conspiracy involved the use of foreign lobbyists, bankers and international media, and was planned to run from August 2024 until the 16th General Election (GE16).
Anwar said the activities under probe were believed to have been triggered by major corruption investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“What triggered these activities was the large-scale corruption investigations by MACC. That is what prompted them to act, using external and internal influence,” he said.
According to Anwar, strategies outlined in documents linked to an international firm included mobilising foreign media and leveraging overseas networks to put pressure on Malaysian institutions.
“Their strategy, as stated in the records of the international firm involved, includes, for example, contacting all foreign media with a strategy to challenge the government’s efforts, particularly those of MACC,” he said.
“They are using their strength and contacts with other countries to build a narrative questioning Malaysia’s and the government’s credibility, and to organise a campaign through the Malaysian Parliament. This is what concerns us.”
He added that international financial players were also being roped in.
“This is an attempt to sabotage the running of the country. How does this tie in with detailed planning, using international media and bankers from that period up to the election?” he asked.
“To undermine our economic strength? Surely we are not prepared, just because we support someone due to political differences, to go that far.
“There must be wisdom and fairness in thinking between party interests and national interests.”
Anwar said the police had opened investigation papers under Section 124B of the Penal Code, which deals with activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, and that he had been advised to be cautious about naming individuals, companies or countries.
“Based on the information I have, I have been advised by the police and the Prime Minister’s Department (National Security division) to keep it limited, not to mention names or companies or countries because it is still under investigation,” he said.
“That is the reason.”
He stressed that while he was open to criticism, the issue at hand went beyond politics.
“I don’t think I’ve ever run away when there is criticism, and when that becomes an issue, I respond.
“But this is not about criticism of a state leader. This is an attempt to sabotage the running of the country,” he said.
He added that the controversy comes at a time when Malaysia has taken a strong line internationally on Palestine.
“All this while we ourselves have been very firm. We know Malaysia, as the Opposition also joined us yesterday, for example in our strong criticism of Israel and the United States, stands almost alone.
“I have gone through the media coverage and Malaysia is among the most forceful,” he said.
Anwar reiterated that he did not wish to turn the Dewan Rakyat into a “partisan political arena” on the matter and urged MPs to allow the authorities to complete their work.
“For me, I ask that we be patient and study the report first,” he said, adding that the allegations involved “pressure and accountability” tactics that challenged “the authority of the state system and its institutions”.
He said that, subject to legal clearance, the government was prepared to brief lawmakers from both sides once investigations progressed further.
“Once there is additional information and with the agreement of the Attorney General’s Chambers, PDRM and the enforcement agencies, I can convene a meeting for the National Security Council, if necessary, to coordinate a briefing for both government and opposition representatives.
“For me, this is not tied to party interests, but a matter of national security,” he said.
