MELAKA, Sept 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed baseless allegations that the Madani Government is against Islam, stressing that the opposition is deliberately exploiting religious issues for political gain.
Speaking at the 27th Reformasi anniversary of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) here today, Anwar criticised the attitude of several opposition leaders, whom he said had resorted to using religion as a cover to attack the government with abusive words and wild accusations.
“I rarely comment on individuals, but when I heard a Member of Parliament claim that ‘our dignity has been tarnished’, I had to ask — during their time in government, when PAS was part of the administration, was gambling reduced or increased? Do not speak based on whims, using religion as a cover, when the reality tells a different story,” he said.
Anwar said that he was open to criticism made in good faith, to improve morals in line with the Madani concept, but rejected any accusation portraying the government as being anti-Islam.
“Where are we against Islam? We have increased allocations for Islamic development, supported tahfiz schools, and provided opportunities for huffaz students to further their studies at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes,” he said. — Bernama
