I know what it's like in prison, Anwar says vowing no oppression of opposition

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said that he would oppress no one, including individuals from opposition parties.

Anwar said he knew how life was in prison and would not arbitrarily use his power as prime minister.

"(If going by that) I am criticised, I would have taken action long ago. Sometimes, if I were to succumb to my anger, I would have ended up in jail but I never did. Because this country has laws.

"Whether they are from PAS or Bersatu, I will not oppress them because I know how miserable it is to be cooped up in prison," he said at an event in Tanjong Karang. 

The prime minister said this after Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was charged on July 18 with inciting the public over his remarks on the appointment of the Selangor menteri besar and the establishment of the coalition government in a political talk last week.
 
The Perikatan Nasional election director pleaded not guilty to both charges, which were read out separately before judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin and judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh.

Sanusi was alleged to have committed acts with a seditious tendency by uttering words that have a tendency to raise discontent or disaffection among the subjects of a ruler.