PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said if such threats existed or had been made, then Anwar should have summoned the respective ambassadors to issue a diplomatic note of protest.

“And he should not have gone public without any further explanation.

“We believe such alarmist claims were aimed at showcasing Anwar’s ‘greatness’ and ‘importance’, which have become a persistent feature of his administration,” Takiyuddin said in a statement today, adding that Anwar was struggling to win over support and the public’s trust.

At a rally on Tuesday, Anwar claimed that Western powers had threatened him over his criticism of the atrocities committed by the Israeli government in the Gaza conflict.

He said he would not be cowed and would remain steadfast behind the Palestinian people.

Takiyuddin said it was unfortunate that the claim was made during an event “that should have been entirely dedicated to the struggle of the Palestinian people”.

He said “baseless and imaginary” allegations by a prime minister would only tarnish Malaysia’s image.

He also said no other prime minister before Anwar had been threatened for being vocal on the issue.

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