Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismisses claims of ulterior motives, says the open house is not a waste but a government programme
TWC – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that the Madani Aidilfitri open house organised in six states has ulterior motives, stating that it is a government programme aimed at connecting with the people and is not wasteful.
Speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Jamiul Ehsan, Kampung Kubu Gajah in Sungai Buloh, Anwar stated that the open house is not a personal undertaking but a government programme meant for the people.
He added that organising open house events is a common practice for governments worldwide and giving food to the people is not a waste. Anwar emphasised that it would have been appropriate to use money from his pocket if the event were organised in his capacity.
The Prime Minister also dismissed allegations made by Perikatan Nasional (PN) that the open house was a waste of money and aimed to score political points. He said the event was far cheaper to be held in Alor Setar, Kedah, than in Putrajaya.
The Madani Aidilfitri open house programme, will kick off in Kedah tomorrow, followed by Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor.
Anwar also addressed Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s allegation that he was not invited to tomorrow’s event. Anwar said that he was given to understand that an invitation had been sent to the Kedah Menteri Besar and that preparations for the event in Kedah were going well.
The Prime Minister will be checking out the preparations for the open house in Kedah later today.