Do not compare me to Najib, says Anwar
ALOR SETAR – PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asks Umno supporters not to compare his prison case with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said he was referred to the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) after going through his 10 year prison sentence due to his age and health factors.
He said Najib supporters had demanded for the ‘same rights’ to be transferred to HRC, just like how he received treatment while he underwent his sentence.
"There are those who question if Anwar could be sent (to HRC), why couldn't Najib. If he (Najib) wants to go, it’s his right. I don't want to comment on anything but comparisons were made against me, it is not okay.
"I entered the rehabilitation centre after 10 years of staying in prison alone in the cell, (only) talking to roaches, mosquitoes and rats.
"I could only meet my wife (Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) only when I go to court, so please do not compare me to Najib," he said during his speech at a programme in Suka Menanti’s Service Centre on Sunday night.
Anwar stated he was sent to the centre to get treatments by a specialist after undergoing a shoulder operation.
"I was in prison for almost 11 years, they were in there not even for a week (but already) complaining about stomach aches, knee pains and such, now they know.
"If Najib was truly sick and the doctor confirms it, give him his medicine don't torture him (in this situation), I have no issues (with Najib's transfer to the rehabilitation hospital)," he said.
He said while imprisoned, he had slept on the cement floor before doctors advised him to be given a bed after his back condition worsened in 2015.
"Before I went in (to prison), I was thrown onto the floor. I suffered many things, bruised eyes, damaged lips, and teeth and my ears at the time lost 40 per cent of its hearing.
“That was after 10 years I was finally given a bed, Najib had a bed as soon as he entered.
"I am saying this not as a comparison but as the reason for Umno to dispute it what is it for? Read the facts of my case, it is different compared to Najib who was accused of receiving RM42 million in his account," he said.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman said after being freed he was offered to undergo follow-up treatments by the Turkey President in Istanbul.
In 1999, Anwar was sentenced to six years in prison due to being guilty of misuse of power.
Two months later Anwar was sentenced a second time for nine years because he was claimed to have committed sodomy offence.
In 2004, Malaysia Federal Court dropped the sodomy charges and released him on Sept 2, because the prosecution failed to present strong evidence beyond reasonable doubt of the action being conducted.
On November 2006, he announced to compete in Parliament during the 2008 elections.
On May 16, 2018, Anwar was freed after three years being imprisoned after he gained the royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
