KUALA LUMPUR: A serious discussion on alleged corporate mafia activities took a lighter turn in the Dewan Rakyat today when Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) jokingly asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to invite fellow MPs to singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s next concert.
Sany made the remark during Prime Minister’s Question Time, referring to Anwar’s attendance at the national songstress’s rain-soaked concert at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday.
“If you’re going to Siti’s concert, invite us too. We’re willing to get soaked together!” he quipped.
The remark came at the end of Sany’s supplementary question on investigations into alleged corporate mafia activities and the use of recovered assets, prompting Anwar to acknowledge the unexpected change of subject.
“I thought these were rather serious questions too,” Anwar replied.
He then explained that Siti and her husband, Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, better known as Datuk K, had personally urged him to attend the concert.
“I went because Siti Nurhaliza and her husband, Datuk K, had strongly urged me to attend. I did attend, although I arrived a little late. But even that was criticised,” he said.
Anwar also praised Siti’s performance, saying the concert showcased Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music, shadow puppetry and cultural elements from Sabah and Sarawak.
He described the performances as a source of pride in the country’s classical music and Malay cultural traditions.
The Konsert Tradisional Gema Bumantara, held on Oct 17, attracted approximately 63,000 spectators despite the rain.
Anwar was among those who braved the weather to watch the performance, which celebrated traditional Malaysian and Nusantara music.
Following the concert, he also congratulated Siti and her production team on their efforts to preserve the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.