PUTRAJAYA is open to criticisms from religious scholars as long as it is not slanderous, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said that ulama (religious scholars) can criticise constructively to help the government improve.

“Ulama can criticise (the government) respectfully and help us improve. God willing, we will listen.

“There are times we may agree (with the ulama) but implementing (measures) may take time,” he said at a press conference.

As for the Home Ministry’s raids at Swatch stores recently for displaying its Pride Collection timepieces, Anwar said the matter will be clarified.

“I don’t know details, except (the confiscation was not due to rainbow) colours, but the issue of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) elements in the designs. Pardon me, but I have not seen the details.”

The raids were done on May 13 and 14 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Setia City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Southkey, Sunway Putra Mall, Sogo KL, Queensbay Mall, Fahrenheit 88 and Suria Sabah.

Warnings were issued to Swatch outlets at KTCC Mall, Aeon Mall Kota Baru, Aman Central Kedah, City Square Mall Johor Baru, and Viva City Kuching.

Authorities were previously tipped off via a social media post, which associated the collection with British band Coldplay’s support for the LGBT community.

On Kelantan’s water woes, Anwar said he would arrange for an appointment with Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob and Natural Resources, Environment And Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to discuss the matter.

On May 12, Anwar said water supply issues in Kelantan need to be resolved regardless of political affiliation.

He said the federal government would act immediately on the matter. – May 25, 2023.