KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has criticised the Opposition, accusing it of attempting to divert attention from issues involving Lembaga Tabung Haji by turning him into the subject of political polemics.
The Prime Minister said that instead of making him the target of debate, the focus should be on those whom he described as “traitors” and on protecting the interests of TH and the institution’s depositors.
“Do you want to debate about me or Tabung Haji? Do you want to concern yourselves with me or the betrayal of Tabung Haji?” he said in a Facebook post.
He also questioned Perikatan Nasional’s stance on the issue, particularly concerning the interests of TH depositors from various walks of life.
“Does Perikatan, led by PAS, not care about the interests of the less privileged, fishermen, farmers, teachers, police personnel, soldiers and retirees who work hard to save money in Tabung Haji?,” he questioned.
Several Opposition lawmakers had walked out of the Dewan Rakyat and did not take part in the special sitting to discuss the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report on Tabung Haji.
They protested against Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul’s decision to proceed with the ministerial briefing in the absence of the Prime Minister and rejected a proposal by Perikatan’s chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan to adjourn the sitting.
The Dewan Rakyat special sitting was held to hear the ministerial briefing on the report, as well as efforts and measures taken to restore the institution’s financial position.
The 211-page RCI report was made public on July 29.
Earlier, the Prime Minister apologised for being unable to attend the special sitting.
His senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said in a statement that Anwar, who is currently undergoing treatment, would keep tabs on proceedings and prayed that the sitting would proceed smoothly.
He said the Prime Minister’s health was improving and that he would continue to undergo physiotherapy under the supervision of a team of medical specialists.
Tunku Nashrul added that Anwar also thanked everyone who had prayed for his health and well-being, as well as those who had sent him greetings and good wishes on his 79th birthday, which fell on Monday.
The Prime Minister’s medical team head, Datuk Dr Asri Ranga Abdullah Ramaiah, said in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday that Anwar had successfully undergone an elective laparoscopic surgical procedure to treat a paraumbilical hernia.
