False claims on casino will land you in jail, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the royals cannot be treated the same way as politicians, who are free to be criticised by anyone.
PUTRAJAYA: Those accusing the government of wanting to open a casino in Forest City, Johor should end up in jail, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Denying allegations that he received proposals from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim on the matter, Anwar said those who had freely criticised and slandered him deserve a cell in Sungai Buloh Prison.
“What is this (proposal)? I’ve never heard of it. No one has proposed it, and neither has the Agong told me to build a casino there.
“Where did this criticism come from? These are evil people. They can take my room in Sungai Buloh (Prison),” Anwar said when officiating the Labour Day celebrations at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
Last Thursday, Bloomberg reported that Anwar met Berjaya founder Vincent Tan and Genting Group’s Lim Kok Thay to discuss the matter.
Quoting sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that a casino would revive the US$100 billion Forest City property project.
However, the same day, Anwar denied having discussed such a plan and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi also denied Sultan Ibrahim’s involvement in the project.
Onn said no casino would be allowed to operate in the state, and pointed out that the Johor ruler had already declared he would not allow it.
Meanwhile, Anwar reminded everyone to be mindful in their criticisms of the issue, particularly when it comes to the royals.
He said the royals cannot be treated the same way as politicians, who are free to be criticised by anyone.
“If you criticise the prime minister, that’s fine, because I can respond. But instead you criticise our Rulers.
“If you attack (the royals) or spread slander (against them), the response is prosecution, punishment and imprisonment. So, don’t get angry with me claiming that I’m undemocratic, harsh and iron-fisted,” Anwar said.
Yesterday, Bersatu member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, pleaded not guilty at the Johor Bahru sessions court to a charge of publishing seditious material on social media.
The charge relates to the Bloomberg report about the purported casino project.
It was reported that Badrul had been charged with posting seditious material on his Facebook account at Mutiara Villa, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, at 6.30pm last Friday.
The charge was framed under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum RM5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.