EC never criticised Anwar over concert, says Art Harun

(FMT) – The Election Commission (EC) today denied criticising PKR candidate Anwar Ibrahim for attending a concert while campaigning for the Port Dickson by-election.

EC chairman Azhar Harun said the commission had never raised the issue of Anwar’s conduct.

“We never made any criticism about the concert or issued any statement about it,” he told FMT.

He was responding to Anwar’s admonition of the EC and Bersih 2.0 over the electoral watchdog’s warning against the PKR president-elect attending a concert at the PD Waterfront on Saturday.

Anwar nonetheless turned up at the concert, earning flak from critics who said this was against the EC’s regulations.

The concert which drew about 2,000 people was also attended by Anwar’s wife, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

It was organised by Pertubuhan Khidmat Kebajikan Masyarakat Madani, the Anwar Ibrahim Club and Muafakat Anak Muda.

Following the criticism, Anwar told the EC and Bersih not to go overboard.

“We (do things) according to the law and rules. We respect Bersih and the EC. Because of that, they should not abuse their power. Don’t be too much,” he said at a dinner event in Lukut last night.

He clarified his comment today, saying he respected the role and authority of the EC and admired and appreciated the work of Bersih.

He also said they should play the part of facilitator to ensure that candidates and the electorate are able to access each other seamlessly during the campaign period.