PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed allegations from Muslim conservatives that his government is victimising states ruled by the opposition.

He said the federal government had increased funding for opposition-controlled states, including Kedah, which is led by Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“Funding was increased for Johor and Kedah, praise be to God. Yet some people wearing ‘serban’ claim that I victimised opposition states. This is a lie, which I hope you all understand.

“I know the meaning of slander and the pain of being beaten. I know what it is like to suffer in a lock-up.

“Now that I am the prime minister, why would I be cruel to people?” he said when addressing the Madani Kedah 2023 gathering in Alor Star last night.

Anwar said he was not out to make enemies of anyone, but instead wanted to rebuild the country together with people who defend integrity.

He asked people to support his policy of upholding the dignity of the people and the country.

“Holding a Raya gathering is not about winning or losing elections. We are providing food not to fish for votes. I don’t want people to support me because of that,” he said.

The prime minister said he is determined to prove to the country and the world that there are Malays who can lead this country well and are capable of bringing change in the name of Islam.

“I want to show that under the leadership of Islam, we can govern well and uphold justice for all, and I hope that the young people in this country will also bring this change, not with hatred but with love,” he said. – Bernama, April 29, 2023.