Anwar fears Raja Petra will reveal all his secrets — DPM

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MEETING THE PEOPLE: Muhyiddin (centre) shares a light moment with the public after launching Federal Territory Umno election machinery at the Titiwangsa Indoor Stadium. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a coward for asking Wikileaks to remove Raja Petra Kamarudin from the list of forum participants.

“He (Anwar) is only willing to face foreigners but not Raja Petra who has repeatedly challenged him. He is scared to face Raja Petra, who was his strong supporter, fearing that all his secrets will be revealed.

“If he is a man, he must accept Raja Petra’s challenge and refusal shows that he is hiding something from the public,” he said after launching Federal Territory Umno election machinery at Titiwangsa Indoor Stadium here yesterday.

The forum held yesterday in Kent, England to discuss global politics brought together Wikileaks founder Julian Assange and Anwar via Skype.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said parliament and not the government, will decide the terms of reference of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to examine issues related to Lynas rare earth plant.

He said the establishment of PSC is to examine issues related to Lynas by members of parliament, representatives from the government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) to be appointed later.

“The question of no authority does not arise as it is not a government decision but that of parliament. PSC will meet to discuss the Lynas issue as this is the scope of parliament, not the government,” he said.

The Cabinet on Friday agreed to the establishment of PSC amid concerns over  safety and health concerns.

On the planned Bersih 3.0 rally, Muhyiddin said it was just a political gimmick by the opposition.

“We don’t  know the reason for the rally. It is all a political gimmick as the opposition’s momentum is on the slide and it is one way of checking it.”

On shortage of teachers in Chinese schools, the education minister hopes that it is not politicised as the government is making efforts to address it.

His deputy Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong will discuss with parties involved including Dong Zong (Federation of Chinese School Committees) and Jiao Zong (Federation of Chinese School Teachers Associations).

The deputy prime minister said the outcome of discussions would then be given to him.

“Only then we can determine how the shortage can be overcome. Teachers in Chinese schools need training to master not only the subject or their options but also Mandarin,” he said. — Bernama