Johor bahru: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described allegations that his visit to Africa last year was to stash embezzled funds as gross slander. He challenged those making the claims to come forward with evidence, emphasizing that he does not have time to entertain such allegations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated, "If there is evidence, produce it. No one is exempt. Otherwise, it becomes a breeding ground for slander. I do not wish to entertain it, I have much work to do," during a meeting with students at the Temenggong Ibrahim Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education. The controversy erupted after a video featuring a woman known as 'Sofia Rini', a witness in a corruption case involving businessman Albert Tei and former political secretary to Anwar, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, gained traction on social media. Sofia claimed that 'Anwar' was in Africa to stash embezzled funds.

The Prime Minister's visit to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya from November 18 to 24 aimed to explore new investment opportunities for Malaysia on the continent. In response to a separate issue involving the customary institution in Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said the matter should be resolved according to the state's customary laws, acknowledging that it may take time.

The situation in Negeri Sembilan arose after an unprecedented move by four Undang, led by Datuk Mubarak Dohak of Sungei Ujong, to depose Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the state ruler. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun stated that the action cannot be accepted or recognized, citing that Mubarak no longer holds authority as the Undang for Sungei Ujong and that the move contradicts Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959. The 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly sitting, originally scheduled to resume from April 27 to 29, was subsequently adjourned sine die.