KUALA LUMPUR: Pas says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that he had received threats from Western parliamentarians over the country's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict was merely a baseless claim.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan labelled the prime minister's statement as an alarmist remark, which he said was strange and amusing.
"If the 'threat' in question indeed exists and occurs, shouldn't it be the reasonable step to be taken by the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, to summon the ambassador or representative of the relevant country to convey Malaysia's objection to it, rather than making open statements without an explanation?," he said in a statement today.
Takiyuddin also highlighted that Malaysia's solidarity with the Palestinians was well known among the global community, and the previous prime ministers have repeatedly voiced the same stance.
"Pas believes that such 'alarmist' statements, aimed at highlighting the 'greatness' and 'importance' of the Prime Minister, have become a constant characteristic of his administration, which, up to this point, continues to struggle in garnering public support and trust," he added.
Takiyuddin said it was improper for Anwar to showcase such behaviour during a time that was supposed to be focused on solidarity with Palestine.
"Furthermore, it can also create a negative image for the country because the Prime Minister is making such 'sweeping and imaginative claims'," Takiyuddin said.
During the "Malaysia Stands with Palestine" rally in Bukit Jalil two days ago, Anwar has reaffirmed Malaysia's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, despite criticism from pro-Israel countries including the United States.
Yesterday, national news agency Bernama reported that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police was beefing up Anwar's security following the latter's speech during the rally.