Run-Up to Permatang Pauh By-Election: Anwar shows harsh side in ceramah

2008/08/23

Run-Up to Permatang Pauh By-Election: Anwar shows harsh side in ceramah

Bernama

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Words like bangang (stupid), bahlol (foolish), bodoh (idiot), celaka (scoundrel) and sial (damned), are always heard in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's campaign in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.

Anwar is known for his oratory skills, especially in his younger days as leader of the Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement.

He regularly resorts to name-calling to enliven his ceramah.

At one ceramah at Seberang Jaya recently, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser told his audience that he had to resort to using such words because "the Permatang Pauh people are a different lot".

"They can't speak kindly and gently. They don't understand. To make them understand, I have to speak like this," he said to his audience, who included children.
However, at another ceramah a few days later, Anwar apologised to the audience for the use of offensive words and language.

"Azizah told me not to be so harsh," he said referring to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is PKR president.

On Thursday night, at a ceramah at Seberang Jaya, however Anwar's tone was much more gentle, with no harsh or vulgar words uttered. -- Bernama