Sue international media over 'full-blown homosexual' claim, opposition leader tells Anwar

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin today challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take legal action against international media groups which publish reports that could smear the country's image, citing a recent article by an Italian news site calling the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman a homosexual. 

"Firm action should be taken," the Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general said in the Dewan Rakyat, referring to the report titled "First Full-blown Homosexual Elected Prime Minister in an Islamic Country" published by Agenzia Nova on Nov 24. 

"The government is responsible for informing the world that Tambun has been pardoned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong." 

He also urged Anwar not to settle for being a "village hero" who was only brave enough to act against those within the country. 

"Tambun was once punished by the court but is now free because he has been pardoned," he said. 

"Don't let the whole world believe that Malaysia's prime minister is a staunch homosexual. This is an old story." 

Hamzah also said that PN was ready to play the role of the opposition and to take over the government when the time comes. 

Given that Anwar was now the prime minister as well as the finance minister, he said it would be inappropriate for the PKR president to make "frivolous" accusations and create a negative perception of previous governments. 

He said Anwar could also refer to the former finance minister regarding government spending under Muhyiddin Yassin's administration, since Tengku Zafrul Aziz was now on Anwar's "side" in the government bloc after being appointed as international trade and industry minister. 

"Ask the senator about the management of the RM600 billion stimulus and aid announced by the government led by Pagoh," he said when debating the motion for a vote of confidence   in Anwar's leadership. 

Hamzah, who is also Larut MP, added that a large portion of the funds had been in non-fiscal form and did not involve government money, including the various EPF withdrawal schemes, the moratoriums on loan repayments, and the initiatives to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He also questioned the government action over social media content, saying this was considered a restriction on media freedom. 

He said such moves were against PH's stand as well as its election manifesto.