PETALING JAYA, March 21 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim avoided comment today on the cloud of suspicion over abuse of power allegations by Fairus Khairuddin, claiming instead that the Penang deputy chief minister had quit to pursue his studies.
Anwar claimed that Fairus wanted to pursue a post-graduate degree.
His resignation, which takes affect from April 8, was only made public today and was said to be related to the reports lodged by a party member that two senior PKR leaders were involved in corruption.
"It would not be easy for him to continue to function as deputy chief minister and state executive councillor. I accept and respect his decision," Anwar told reporters, adding that his relationship with Fairus was still good.
"We are still in communication. In fact he contacted me this morning," he added.
Despite Anwar's claims, it is understood the de facto PKR leader had instructed Fairus to quit his post because mounting allegations against the DCM had made his position untenable.
Rumour of Fairus's resignation began to surface on Wednesday but Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had issued an immediate denial.
Anwar had previously ticked off Fairus publicly because he was unhappy that the DCM failed to even visit his constituency.
Anwar said today that Fairus remains the state assemblyman for Penanti.
"He can still come to his constituency to perform his duties," he said.
When asked who would replace Fairus in the Penang government, the Opposition Leader said the matter did not arise.
"The chief minister had said that he will take over his duties," said Anwar.
On reported opposition to the selection of S. Manikumar as the PKR candidate for the Bukit Selambau by-election, Anwar said it was not possible to get a candidate who could satisfy every party and hoped that Hindraf would not field an independent.
"My relationship with Uthayakumar and Waytamoorthy is good. I hope they will consider the interest of the Indian community and Hindus rather than the interest of a few individuals," said Anwar.
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