Anwar Ibrahim challenges accusers to produce evidence after a witness in a corruption case alleges he stashed embezzled funds during an Africa trip
JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described allegations that his visit to Africa last year was to stash embezzled funds as gross slander.
He also challenged those making the claims to come forward with evidence.
Anwar said he does not have time to entertain such allegations.
“If there is evidence, produce it. No one is exempt. Otherwise, it becomes a breeding ground for slander. I do not wish to entertain it, I have much work to do,” he told reporters after meeting with students of the Temenggong Ibrahim Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) here today.
Earlier, a video of a woman known as “Sofia Rini”, a witness in a corruption case involving businessman Albert Tei and former political secretary to Anwar, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, went viral on social media.
Among others, Sofia claimed that “Anwar” was in Africa to stash embezzled funds.
The Prime Minister undertook visits to three African countries — Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya — from Nov 18 to 24 as part of efforts to explore new investment opportunities for Malaysia on the continent.
On the issue involving the customary institution in Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said the matter should be resolved in accordance with the state’s customary laws.
“It may take some time… we leave it to wisdom (of the relevant parties),” he said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun reportedly said that the unprecedented move by the four Undang (ruling chieftains), led by Datuk Mubarak Dohak of Sungei Ujong, to depose Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the state ruler last Sunday, cannot be accepted and is not recognised.
He said this is because Mubarak no longer holds any authority or function as the Undang for Sungei Ujong, and such action is inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.
The 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly sitting, scheduled to resume from April 27 to 29, was adjourned sine die.
