Anwar reminds new govt against abuse of power (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given a stern reminder to the newly-formed government, do not abuse their power and position at the expenses of Malaysians.
In his first public address after being released from prison, Anwar said the rakyat should act as a watchdog and monitor the leaders of the government to ensure that they were not deviated from their responsibilities to serve the people.
He added that Malaysia has entered a new era following the defeat of Barisan Nasional in the recent general election, stressing that the culture of corruption and intimidation should be put to a stop.
"Enough is enough. Enough of corruption. Enough of intimidation. No more. We have entered a new era for Malaysia.
"The new government must be given the space to carry its responsibilities. If there are weaknesses, point it out. If they live a lavish lifestyle, we 'terajang' (kick) them," he said.
"This is what we call the mandate from the people," he said in his speech at a gathering to celebrate his release at Padang Timur.
More than 3,000 people had flocked the field for his first address after being jailed in 2015.
Anwar in a fiery speech also mocked several unnamed leaders in PH who had started lobbying to be part of the cabinet.
He said these leaders should look at themselves in the mirror before proposing their own names to the administration.
“The rakyat have given you the support. Do your work if you want to become a minister,” he said.
Anwar also stated that he would support the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, despite the latter being the reason for his political downfall in 1998.
He added his support for Mahathir came as he was confident that the 92-year-old leader would bring changes to the country.
“I told Tun Mahathir not to worry as he has my support. I need not be in the cabinet, I will support him,” he said.
Anwar, who had been serving a prison sentence since Feb 10, 2015, was given a royal pardon and released with immediate effect yesterday.
The Federal Court in 2015 had found Anwar guilty of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, which led the former to be sentenced to a five-year prison term.
Anwar however maintained that the conviction was fabricated to end his political career, with blame going to the then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.