Najib Hits Anwar For Inconsistency

IPOH, March 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has described opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's refusal to debate with blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin in Kent, England as inconsistent with his actions.

The prime minister said, "it appears that he (Anwar) is not willing (to debate with Raja Petra).

"We must be consistent. When we say we practise democracy and we are open, while deploring the government for not being democratic and open.

"But actually, if we look at their actions like barring some newspapers from attending their press conferences... Is this consistent with what they are preaching all this while?"

Najib was speaking to reporters after opening new buildings of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Wan Hwa II costing RM9 million in Mengelembu near here Saturday.

He was commenting remarks made by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin yesterday that Anwar is "a chicken" after the latter reportedly requested him to be excluded from a forum scheduled to take place today in Kent.

Najib said this showed Anwar's inconsistency.

"Sooner or later, the people will question him over his inconsistency," said Najib.