Hadi hits out at Muslim clerics’ sex video silence

SHAH ALAM, March 29 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang questioned the silence of Muslim scholars last night over the alleged Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sex video, challenging them to make a stand on the issue.
The PAS president did not mention any names but was believed to be referring to Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, who has not commented on the sex video which came to light on March 21.
“For those who like to talk and pass judgment on people, don’t be blind devils...you have been ordered to tell the truth but if you did not do so, then you are blind devils,” said Hadi to shouts of Harussani reverberating from the 6500-strong crowd in attendance here last night.

Hadi (right) leading the ‘solat’ with the many leaders and congregants at the indoor stadium. — Picture by Choo Choy May

The PAS president likened the current accusations made by Umno against Anwar as the “extreme” measures a repressive government would take to stay in power. “Do not think that tyranny is the strength of a government, on the contrary it shows their weakness and how a government will do anything to stay in power,” said Hadi, who once again went out of his way to defend Anwar from accusation of immorality.
Anwar along with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders have consistently denied that he was the man in the alleged sex video, and has accused Prime  Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as well as Umno leaders of orchestrating the latest scandal.

Anwar delivers his address last night. — Picture by Choo Choy May

The Permatang Pauh MP told the audience last night that the scandal was a ploy by Umno to distract and derail the opposition from focusing on the upcoming elections. He also said that the video was an attempt by Umno to sow discord within his own family.
“They want to cause chaos, havoc to my family... this is a desperate attempt to destroy my family,” said Anwar.
He said that the opposition coalition needed to put aside the sex scandal and focus all resources and energy towards winning the Sarawak state elections, and ending Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud reign as chief minister of the hornbill state.
Former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, along with businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay, had last week admitted to being behind the sex video allegedly featuring Anwar having sex with a foreign prostitute.

The crowd at Stadium Melawati last night for the ceramah and mass prayer. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Anwar has since denied being the man in the tape and has gone on a nationwide campaign to convince voters of his innocence. He is due to begin a nine-day campaign visit to Sarawak starting from today, ahead of the state elections scheduled to be held on April 16.
DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, who was also present last night called for a roundtable discussion between PR-Barisan Nasional (BN) to address what he termed the “worst display of dirty politics ever.”
“A roundtable discussion is needed... NGOs, all religious groups as well are invited. We need to end this display of dirty politics,” said Lim to a thunderous applause from the audience.