Anwar calls on PKR leaders not to follow Mahathir's agenda

Former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on all PKR leaders not to follow former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's agenda, but to focus on the people's agenda instead.

He said the issues of price hikes, welfare and the Independent Power Producers (IPP) controversy should be given attention and become their main agenda.

"(The question of) maintaining cooperation is a non-issue...do not forget the agenda, do not follow his (Mahathir) agenda, follow the people's agenda.

"Do not follow the crony system, corruption and past cruelty. That's my message," he said when asked about PKR's collaboration with Dr Mahathir while being escorted by prison officers at the Federal Court Registry here today.

The court had earlier dismissed his application to admit former Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Ramli Yusuff's evidence in his sodomy conviction review bid, ruling that the evidence were irrelevant and insignificant.

Anwar also confirmed the spread of his letter to PKR leaders on the issue, saying that it was initially meant to remind them not to deviate from their original cause.

"Yes, it was my letter but it was for the leadership, I wrote the letter in court. Although initially it was meant for the leadership, now that it has been spread, I ask that the people read it," he said.

Prior to this, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed was reported as saying that stern action could be taken against any individual who took the former opposition leader's letter out of prison.

He said the Prison Act 1995 stated that it is an offence for anyone to smuggle prohibited items to or from prison.