KUALA LUMPUR —Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cooled tempers at the Johor PKR convention yesterday, praising Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim for his loyalty after the latter’s outburst during the meeting.
But Anwar, who is PKR president, also said that there was thankfully “only one Hassan”, as too many like him could cause chaos.
“During elections, whatever candidate I put, if I ask him (Hassan) to help campaign, he will do it! We want more of this kind of people.
“Just don’t be so outspoken, it makes me dizzy if there are ten Hassans in Johor. Luckily, there’s only one,” Anwar said in jest while covering his ears, sparking laughter in the audience.
His remarks were recorded in a video clip that is circulating.
Yesterday, Hassan, 74, got into a heated verbal exchange with PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan who had attacked former party deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in his speech at the convention.
Hassan, visibly upset, stood from his seat while Ramanan was talking, saying it was unfair to target Rafizi as he was not present to defend himself.
“You are new to this party and should learn the ways we operate. Positions within the party do not automatically make you entitled,” Hassan had said in response to Ramanan’s speech which criticised Rafizi for attacking PKR. Ramanan had also questioned the Pandan MP’s performance as former Economy Minister.
In response, Ramanan told Hassan he should defend the party.
The exchange took place in front of Anwar, who later said the party needed people like Hassan.
Anwar said although Hassan was “highly principled” and very stubborn, he was also very loyal.
“He’s a tough guy. Degil nak mampus (stubborn to death). But in a good way. He has never asked me for money, never lobbied for positions. I see the work he has done and his attitude. He is hard-headed but that’s OK. He’s loyal to the core,” Anwar said at the convention yesterday, drawing applause from the delegates.
Ramanan and Rafizi have been at odds with each other recently over a few issues, including allegations involving on-going anti-corruption investigations into claims about corporate manipulation, and Rafizi’s open criticism of PKR. – April 6, 2026