KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was forced today to dispel swirling rumours that he had asked PKR’s Penang deputy chief minister Fairus Khairuddin to resign amid a cloud of suspicion.
But The Malaysian Insider understands that Anwar is planning to announce Fairus’s resignation at a public rally in Bukit Gantang, Perak tonight.
Anwar appeared uneasy when asked by reporters in Parliament about speculation over Fairus’s position.
“As far as I know, Fairus is carrying out his duties and is on leave for a few days,” he replied when asked to confirm the rumours.
“There are many other national issues,” he said when pressed on the issue, and declined to elaborate further.
Despite Anwar’s best efforts, it appears that Fairus’s position in the Penang state government appears untenable because he faces a mountain of allegations over suspected abuse of power.
Earlier today, Penang Chuef Minister Lim Guan Eng also denied his deputy had resigned.
“As of now he is still the deputy chief minister,” Lim had told reporters.
When asked if he was pleased with Fairus’s performance as DCM, Anwar replied that he had performed well in some areas but had room for improvement in others.
He also sidestepped a question on whether there were conflicts between Fairus and PKR.
“Umno also is conflicting with PKR,” he replied.
Speculation about Fairus’s resignation surfaced yesterday after an anonymous text message was circulated saying that he was instructed to quit by Anwar over allegations of abuse of power.
Fairus’s appointment as deputy chief minister has been a source of controversy and he has been told off by Anwar for not even visiting his constituency. He was also forced to quit as Penang Football Association president due to his lack of enthusiasm.
Speculation is also rife that he is one of two PKR leaders in Penang accused of corrupt dealings involving a quarry.
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