JOHOR BARU – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has firmly denied supporting immoral acts as alleged by some critics following his recent attendance at a music concert last week.
He maintained that the concert in question did not promote immorality, adding that the event did not serve alcohol nor encourage other unhealthy activities, unlike what was being portrayed on social media by the opposition.
“This is what (claims of immorality) we see on TikTok nowadays. Let me make it clear, I may face criticism, but if there’s music, I might even dance along a bit. I don’t mind.
“But understand this, I won’t condone alcohol consumption, violence, or inappropriate behaviour like onstage kissing,” he said during the Temu Anwar Programme at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) today.
“While I acknowledge that celebrating certain cultures might sometimes be deemed inappropriate, some (quarters) are quick to label such events as ‘maksiat’ (immoral), especially when I attend as the Madani prime minister. I don’t see the immorality at all (at this event).”
Anwar’s name came under fire earlier this week when a group of tahfiz students were seen attending a concert at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, drawing criticism from the opposition.
However, the concert was not a government-organised event, and the tahfiz students were in attendance at the invitation of a businessman.
Anwar said that the issue was amplified as a smear campaign orchestrated by Perikatan Nasional (PN), with the intent of tarnishing the unity government’s image.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman also stressed the importance of not exploiting religious sentiments for political gain, as such actions would only disrupt the nation’s harmony.
“I attended the concert, where I witnessed performances by (Datuk) Amy Search, Misha Omar, and Siti Nurhaliza. Afterward, a group of young musicians took the stage. We were there in support of their charitable efforts,” he said.
“After the main act, the young musicians continued to perform. They even politely suggested I could leave if I wished. I considered it, thinking I’m an older gentleman, and the younger generation respects the presence of the prime minister. But then I reflected on what message this would send to these young talents.”
Anwar then revealed that he consulted with his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and they agreed to stay until the young musicians finished their performance.
The prime minister insisted that the event did not feature alcohol or other immoral activities. He added that baseless allegations were being propagated and urged for a more informed discussion rooted in the principles of religion.
Anwar also said that he had advised Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to allow cultural programmes in varsities under the condition that alcohol consumption and free mixing between genders, among others, were prohibited. – September 3, 2023