Anwar avoids talking about his first two convictions

Anwar says he was pardoned by the Agong on his third conviction but avoids talking about his first two convictions

(FMT) – Anwar Ibrahim has refused to entertain a PAS leader’s statement that he is not fit to become prime minister as he had been jailed before.

Speaking to reporters after visiting musician Yazid Ahmad, who is unwell, the Port Dickson MP also said PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s remarks may be an insult to the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, who granted him a full pardon.

This, he said, was something he would need to check with his lawyers.

“I have other work to do rather than to respond to him (Takiyuddin).”

On Wednesday, Takiyuddin, at a ceramah in Sandakan, Sabah, questioned if the people wanted a “former convict” like Anwar as their prime minister.

He said Anwar’s conviction and sentencing could not be questioned as it was a decision made by the Federal Court.

“As a lawyer, we know what happens when someone comes out from jail. Their status for the rest of their life is that of a convict.

“So, do we want this person as our PM?” he asked a crowd, which responded “No”.

PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir had previously urged Takiyuddin to openly apologise to Anwar and retract his statement, which he described as malicious and rude. He said it also made light of the royal pardon given to Anwar last year.

Anwar was given a full royal pardon and early release from his five-year sentence for sodomising his former aide, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, and this allowed the former deputy prime minister to once again stand for an election.

It was previously reported that Pakatan Harapan had agreed that Anwar will take over as prime minister from Dr Mahathir Mohamad.