Anwar S Pharaoh Remark Draws Pkr Backlash

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FORMER economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has cautioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against statements that could undermine the government’s anti-corruption narrative, following Anwar’s recent remark that “even Pharaoh had a legacy”.
Rafizi said while Anwar may have intended to highlight that no one is above the law, such comments risk being misinterpreted as offering leeway to political allies or business elites with close ties to the administration.
“Every decision must be rule-based. If a rule applies to one group, it must apply to another, even if they are now considered good friends,” he stressed.
Rafizi warned that inconsistent messaging could lead the public to view the government’s anti-graft stance as rhetorical rather than genuine.
He pointed out that political elites and wealthy individuals have historically enjoyed influence in every administration and cautioned Anwar against appearing to protect certain figures under the pretext of their past “services”.
“So when he said, Fir’aun also had his service or legacy, the messages I received were in this context: How about the people we all know, he used to get those concessions under a former government, he supported UMNO, or he supported the prime minister, now he has become a good friend to us and also supports us now?” he asked.

Rafizi also reiterated his long-standing call for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to operate free from political interference, arguing that only consistent and impartial enforcement can sustain public trust.
“Without consistency, the fight against corruption risks losing its credibility,” he said.
Last week, Anwar stressed that corruption investigations will proceed without exception, regardless of a person’s past contributions to the nation.
He said allowing past service to shield individuals from action would undermine justice, as every citizen – from cleaners to community leaders – plays a role in nation-building.
“If someone’s contributions are used as an obstacle to investigations, then justice is disrupted. Everyone has contributions. Cleaners have contributions, village heads have contributions, even the corrupt have contributions,” Anwar said.

In defending the principle of equal treatment under the law, Anwar also remarked that even historical figures widely regarded as tyrants left behind legacies.
“People ask, why arrest that person, he contributed to everyone… In truth, everyone has contributions. Even Pharaoh, though cruel, also left a legacy,” he added.
In the past, Anwar had said that the international kleptocrat jailed for his role in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s “jasa” had to be taken into consideration amid criticism that his government is “helping” Najib’s bid to get out of jail.
Rafizi also mentioned the days when former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was called a Mahafiraun for the construction of the Prime Minister’s office and residences in Putrajaya. —  Focus Malaysia

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