Viral audio: If true, what's the problem? - Anwar

That was the response of PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when asked about the viral audio that purportedly linked the telephone conversation between him and UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the audio issue is not a priority at this point, instead he described it as a political attack on him.

"What's the issue here? Producing, spying on a recording, that's an offence. Who did it - if it's authentic?

"Second, is it true that this government, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Communications is creating a ruckus? Have they not heard of other audios and videos? There were plenty!

"Apparently, the political capital now is to spread about Anwar-Zahid," he said in response to a question from Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Agus Yusoff in the “Minda TV: Bicara Tokoh” programme organised by the National Council of Professors (MPN).

According to the Opposition Leader, many other audios and videos had gone viral before, which clearly questioned the issue of principle.

"Who hasn't heard the audio of Tan Sri Muhyiddin linking the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, linking to giving ministerial and GLC posts to UMNO?

"It means UMNO can be bought. So, sometimes if we look at some of the minister's who jumped party, it is not because they want to take care of the UMNO members or the Malays whom they supposedly represented. It was a matter of principle.

"The question of the (police) report, I have not made one because I have just returned from Port Dickson," he said in response to calls from several parties for him to immediately lodge a police report.

"Now let’s think, now seriously, what is the issue? The issue, they want to dedflect the contagious issue now, (namely) the suspension of Parliament and the neglect of the policies and the fate of the people.

"This is what they want to deflect from, so the audio becomes a priority. What's the problem?" he asserted. Then Mohamad Agus interjected and explained that the question he asked was clear and needed to be answered frankly.

"That's not the problem. I don't have a problem either, my question is very simple. Is (the audio) Datuk Seri or not? Secondly, has Datuk Seri lodged a police report or not? Very straight forward," Mohamad Agus asked.

Anwar replied that further discussions on the issue of viral audio do not bring benefits to the people. "If there is no problem, what problem is to be raised in an event like this? What problem is beneficial for the people.

"I have made a statement, Datuk Seri Zahid has made a statement, move on. What is the problem in this country?