KUALA LUMPUR – A special briefing regarding the Malaysia-Indonesia border alignment turned heated in the Dewan Rakyat today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim criticized several opposition members, describing their conduct as “disrespectful” for allegedly using inflammatory language and leveling accusations against the administration.
The Prime Minister emphasized that while the opposition is welcome to seek clarification on national matters, they should refrain from making baseless claims of “treason” or “betrayal” against the government.
“We should extend our highest gratitude to our officials from the border affairs division, the topography department, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the military. These individuals have ventured deep into the wilderness to ensure our maps are finalized accurately,” Anwar stated during the parliamentary session on Wednesday.
He expressed disappointment over the opposition’s refusal to acknowledge the hard work of civil servants and security forces. “If you are uninformed, ask questions. Do not resort to insults. I repeat, if you don’t know, just ask!” he added firmly.
In response, several opposition MPs, including Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) and Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), stood up to defend their stance. They denied the allegations of verbal abuse, claiming that their concerns were raised based on reports originating from Indonesia.
“We took those statements from Indonesia. We never insulted anyone; we only asked for answers,” Awang Hashim argued.
The situation led to a brief shouting match as government backbenchers rose to defend the Prime Minister, accusing the opposition of using “questions” as a veil for slanderous accusations.
Clarifying his position, Anwar reiterated that he welcomes healthy debate but will not tolerate narratives that label him a traitor to the country. He urged all parties to discuss matters of national interest, especially border sovereignty, with decorum and diplomatic sensitivity.
“We can agree to disagree, but do not pass judgment or offend our counterparts in Indonesia. We must maintain the close and cordial relationship that currently exists between our two nations,” the Prime Minister concluded.
