PETALING JAYA: PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim today announced that he would hold back his retirement plans until the allegations of rampant electoral fraud that took place on Sunday is resolved.
Speaking at a packed press conference today, Anwar, said that he would have retired from politics if he had lost in a free and fair electoral battle.
“In the context of free and fair election, I would have conceded defeat.
“But the election was marred with irregularities and fraud. So I will continue to fight for the rights of all Malaysians,” said Anwar, who was wearing black in protest against the electoral results.
He also confirmed that he would remain as the Opposition Leader.
Also present were PKR vice presidents Fuziah Salleh, Tian Chua and PKR member Johari Abdul.
Before the general election, the former deputy prime minister announced that he would retire from active politics if he loses in his bid to capture Putrajaya.
He also said that he wanted to concentrate on teaching and lecturing, as it was his passion and was already getting offers.
Najib playing up racial sentiment
Anwar today said that he was aware that he would be mocked by pro-Umno media for shelving his retirement plans but vowed to stay put until the Election Commission (EC) addressed the complaints made on the electoral fraud.
“We even had foreigners coming in to vote. This is a Malaysian election, not for foreigners.
“So I will be with the people to fight for free and fair election. Let us reject the illegitimate leaders,” he said.
On related matter, Anwar lashed out at Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for branding the massive swing of support to the opposition as a “Chinese tsunami”.
“When he spoke of national reconciliation, it was good and I welcome it. But later he contradicted himself by calling the swing as a Chinese tsunami.
“It’s an attempt to cover up the electoral fraud by playing up racial sentiment,” he said.
He cited pro-Umno daily Utusan Malaysia’s headline today as an example of Najib’s contradiction.
“The daily just follows Umno president’s direction. I am aware that the party president’s officers could dictate the newspaper’s stories as I was the party’s former deputy chief,” he claimed.
Utusan today published a provocative title ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu’ (What else the Chinese want), blaming the Chinese for being trapped in DAP’s supposed racial politics.
To remain as Opposition Leader
On another matter, Anwar said he was thankful to DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for their continued support for him to become the opposition leader.
“I told them that I wanted to step back to address the electoral fraud issue but they insisted I stay put,” he said.
On arguments that Pakatan Rakyat would face problems due the high number of of seats won by DAP, Anwar dismissed the matter outright.
“The issue is not Pakatan having problems. Only Umno and MCA are having problems with that,” he said.
