HANG TUAH JAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken a swipe at those who criticise him, including members of his own administration, despite being part of the same government.
Speaking at the Grand Finale: Jelajah Harapan, Melaka Rumah Kita event at the Hang Tuah Jaya Parliamentary Service Centre here on Thursday, Anwar jokingly referred to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi when highlighting how some government leaders continued to criticise the administration they were part of.
His remark drew cheers from the crowd as soon as he mentioned Ahmad Zahid.
"... And those criticising us include people within the government. They are sitting beside me. That is the Deputy Prime Minister," he said.
However, Anwar was quick to clarify that he was not personally targeting Ahmad Zahid.
"No, I am not targeting Datuk Zahid," he said.
He then praised the people of Melaka, describing their spirit as that of true warriors of the state.
Anwar also recalled Melaka's history, invoking the names of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat as symbols of courage and the state's fighting spirit.
"This is the spirit of the people of Melaka. These are the real warriors of Melaka. When people ask where I come from, I say I am from Melaka, with its history of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat.
"But we are extremely weak," he said.
Previously, Anwar had reminded political leaders, particularly those in the Unity Government, to practise a culture of discussion and resolve differences of opinion through proper channels, including Cabinet meetings.
He stressed that maintaining administrative stability should take priority over using political platforms to criticise allies who were part of the same government.