'Debate me or debate Tabung Haji?' – Anwar slams opposition's focus on his absence

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has slammed the opposition's actions for allegedly focusing more on his absence from the special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat rather than the management issues and betrayal regarding Tabung Haji (TH).

In a social media post, Anwar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment, said that the primary matter that should be given attention is the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report on TH, not his condition or presence at the special sitting.

"Do you want to debate about me or do you want to debate about Tabung Haji? Do you want to concern yourselves with me, or do you want to concern yourselves with the betrayal against Tabung Haji?" he said on Tuesday.

According to Anwar, the issue involves the interests of the Muslim community and should not be politicised or turned into a platform for political games.

"Malay Muslims have been betrayed, yet there are still those who want to play political drama? Especially when it comes from the party that constantly chants slogans about Malay Muslims," he said.

He also questioned the stance of Perikatan Nasional (PN), led by Pas, regarding the interests of TH depositors, particularly those who work tirelessly to accumulate savings to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

"Does PN, spearheaded by Pas, not care about the interests of the underprivileged, fishermen, farmers, teachers, police officers, soldiers, and retirees who exert sweat and toil to save money in TH to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam?" he asked.

Anwar said that attention should instead be focused on the interests of these depositors and on ensuring that the trust placed in them continues to be safeguarded.

Anwar had previously informed that he was unable to attend the special sitting due to health factors, but would follow the debate closely.

The special sitting proceeded with the debate on the TH RCI Report after the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat rejected requests for the sitting to be adjourned following the Prime Minister's absence.