| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, could be suspended as a member of parliament (MP).
He's been referred to a parliamentary committee for making damaging statements about Apco Worldwide - an international PR consultancy firm, hired by the government to change the country's image.
The opposition claims that Apco has links to Israel, and that it is behind the one Malaysia concept promoted by Prime Minsiter Najib Razak.
Opposition MPs staged a walkout, as a motion was passed in parliament to refer Anwar Ibrahim to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
Anwar was found guilty of misleading the Parliament House by linking Prime Minister Najib's One Malaysia concept with Ehud Barak's One Israel policy.
He also accused Israel of infiltrating Malaysia's national security through Apco, an international public relations agency hired by the government.
A heated debate broke out, with members of parliament from both sides engaged in shouting match, accusing each other of Israeli links.
Barisan Nasional (BN) youth chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, called it an act of political desperation by Mr Anwar, since the Prime Minister's approval ratings went up after unveiling sweeping reforms to overhaul the government and transform Malaysia into high-income economy.
Speaking in parliament, Mr Anwar accused the government of bulldozing tactics, in order to silence him.
He said: "But I have challenged Datuk Seri Najib last night to come out clear and clean on this issue and to respond to my allegations, in a public debate on the 24th night at Hulu Selangor."
The Privileges Committee meets in June to decide on his punishment, which could see him suspended as an MP.
Meanwhile the high stakes political battle looks set to intensify, ahead of the upcoming by-elections in Hulu Selangor.
- CNA/jy
|
