Former deputy PM of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Mangalore

Former deputy PM of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Mangalore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Mar 1, 2012: Anwar Ibrahim, the former deputy prime minister of Malaysia and leader of the People’s Justice Party, arrived at Mangalore to attend a conference organized by the Muslim Religious Committee. 

Addressing reporters at a press conference held at Hotel Gateway on March 1 Thursday, he said that he had participated in a conference titled “Politics and Conscience,” to which he was invited by Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking on good relationship between countries and his interest in giving clean, corruption-free governance, he said that he expects the Hindu community to understand Islam just as he understands Hinduism. 

He said that Malaysia has a Muslim-majority population, with Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus in the minority. Criticizing Prime Minister Nazeer’s lack of tolerance toward the minorities, he said that he is not only against discrimination, but also feels that lack of democracy and freedom of the press in Malaysia is ridiculous. 

Regarding the media in Malaysia, he said that the ruling party gives licenses only to channels and newspapers it owns and no private channels can get the license. He also said that the judiciary in Malaysia is not free.

Recalling the days when he was the deputy prime minister in 1990, he said that the country was number one with regard to foreign direct investment, capital, and others.  

Speaking on Indian politics, he said that he respects PM Manmohan Singh and urged him to change the country for the better, fight against corruption, and launch beneficial programs for citizens. 

When asked about the 40,000 Indian citizens who have gone missing in Malaysia, he said that Malaysia has both legal and illegal immigrants, but he is all for treating them as human beings. He also remarked that the problem of illegal immigrants can be solved only if corrupt agencies that fool poor migrants are identified and punished. 

Maulana Abdul Razak Kabaka, the former secretary of Anwar Ibrahim; Mujeer Talangara; Dr. Dattu Abdul Azeez; Hamza Perlampady, the businessman; and Nooriddin Salumarawere were also present.