Speaking in an interview carried live on Invoke’s Facebook, Anwar said it was strange that some who called themselves liberal became ultra-conservative when it came to the issue of power, to the point where they could not be criticised or told off.
Calling this an outdated way of viewing things, Anwar said he had also told Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that there were young leaders in PKR who held very strong views on issues.
Although he said he did not agree with all of these views, Anwar added that such leaders should be given space in order to bring out their talent.
“There will be differences in views, and sometimes a slip of the tongue. Then we control. Controlling is okay.
“But to block such views, to have a slanting view of this, or to even pressure such a person for having a voice, this is representative of the old regime.”
Giving the example of PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, Anwar said the former MP could be “controversial”.
“I agree with some of his views and disagree with others. For instance, I know for a fact that a certain statement is true, but then I am of the view that it is better for Wan Azizah to deal with this while I talk to the prime minister,” he said, referring to Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar said there must be some leeway due to Malaysia’s new situation following the May 9 polls.
“We need Malaysians to be calm. But what I disagree with is that it is as though you cannot have differing arguments within this new government. If you disagree, it means you are racist.
“This is only restarting the culture that we have become so used to – that Umno culture,” he said.
Anwar had been asked to comment on Rafizi’s claim that Mahathir had made Cabinet appointments without consultation with other parties.
Rafizi also caused a stir when he reportedly said Mahathir was not the main reason PH had won in the May 9 general election. He said PH had taken Putrajaya on the back of bread and butter issues coupled with the implementation of the goods and services tax by the Barisan Nasional government.
Umno 2.0?
Anwar said there was a very real possibility of PH becoming an “Umno 2.0” where leaders use the coalition as their gravy train, and dissent and criticism are not tolerated.
He pointed to Mahatma Gandhi’s struggles in India, and those of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, which had led to change. However, he said, the countries had returned to their old ways very quickly.
“Umno 2.0 can happen. We need to have constant reminders, as well as disciplinary action, to prevent PH from becoming Umno 2.0.
“Apart from that, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must be strengthened so that it can carry out its tasks more effectively.
“MACC cannot just be reduced to hunting down Umno leaders involved in corruption or misappropriation of funds. Yes, such efforts to hunt them down can continue, as they have been rampant for far too long.
“But that does not mean MACC cannot also hunt PH leaders who are found to have been involved in such offences,” he said, adding that tolerance of such actions was a sure-fire way of returning to the old ways.