KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin has criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for stating that the poor can be used by desperate individuals to stage demonstrations.
Hamzah, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general, asserted that Anwar's comment was insulting to Malaysia's poor and should not have been made.
"Why did he have to bring up the issue of poor people being hired (to cause ruckus)? This is a major problem in our country when leaders fabricate untrue stories.
"He (Anwar) believes that these poor people can be hired to do anything, including demonstrations.
"I think this is the prime minister's way of thinking, which is not acceptable in our country," he said in a video shared on his Facebook page.
Anwar, in a press conference yesterday, said he had ordered the entire security force to be on alert because people who feel challenged and 'desperate' may hire poor people to cause a ruckus.
Hamzah said that Anwar should find ways to solve the problems faced by the poor through government aid.
"Find a way to solve the problem, instead of making false accusations. This can make young people even angrier.
"Accusing poor people of being hired to stage street demonstrations can further agitate them. They are currently struggling to make ends meet. Prime Minister, do not make nonsensical remarks," he said.
