[asia-apec 614] Deputy PM Anwar sacked (part 2 of 2)

[PAN Asia Pacific]

Statement from the PM's Department on Anwar's removal from the
Cabinet 

Following is the full statement of the Prime Minister's Department on the removal of Datuk Seri 
Anwar Ibrahim from the Cabinet today: 

It is hereby announced that Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim has been removed from 
his posts as Deputy Prime Minister and  Minister of Finance, and also other positions held by Yang 
Berhormat  Dato' Seri Anwar in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. 

The removal of his posts takes effect today, September 2, 1998 at 5.30pm. 

Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been informed of his  removal from the posts. 

Prime Minister's Department,  Kuala Lumpur,  September 2, 1998


Chronology of events leading to Anwar's sacking

June 7: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urges Umno members to stop the  practice of cronyism, 
corruption and nepotism in the party. Umno Youth chief Datuk Zahid Hamidi echoed his call and 
said it was a serious problem in awarding of government contracts to bumiputra giant companies. 

June 10: Zahid says Umno Youth will, at the the Umno General Assembly on June 18, reveal 
instances of nepotism in the awarding of mega projects. 

June 13: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad denies foreign  media reports of a rift 
between him and Anwar. 

June 17: Anwar obtains an injunction against Khalid Jafri, author of 50 Dalil Mengapa Anwar 
Tidak Boleh Menjadi PM (50 Reasons why Anwar cannot become PM). 

June 19: Dr Mahathir says he will support Anwar if there is a contest for  the number two post. He 
also says that Umno will investigate whether Khalid's book had any basis. 

June 21: Anwar reiterates his loyalty to Dr Mahathir. 

June 26: Police receives four reports in connection with Khalid's book, including a report from 
former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul  Rahim Thamby Chik. 

June 30: Anwar refutes speculation that his position as Finance Minister will be undermined by the 
appointment of Tun Daim Zainuddin as Special Functions Minister. 

July 1: Anwar says there is an attempt to topple him and claims that Khalid's book is the tool used 
to achieve this. He also denies Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Dom would resign. 

July 4: Anwar obtains fresh injunction on Khalid Jafri's book. 

July 11: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Rahim Noor says police are making detail 
investigations into the book. 

July 20: Anwar denies reports of policy differences with Dr Mahathir following the resignation of 
group editors of Berita Harian and Utusan Melayu. 

July 31 : Anwar succeeds in getting an interim injuction to stop distribution of Khalid's book. 

Aug 1: A businessman implicated in the Khalid's book is detained for questioning. 

Aug 7: Anwar again denies rumours that he will resign because of differences with Dr Mahathir. 

Aug 11: Anwar, as Penang Umno liaison chief, along with the state's 11 divisions, again pledges his 
loyalty to Dr Mahathir, reiterating his promise that he will not challenge Dr Mahathir in the next 
party's elections. 

Aug 12: Khalid Jafri is charged in court and in connection with the case, Magnum Corporation 
Berhad's executive director Datuk Nallakaruppan Solaiman, is charged with possessing 125 rounds 
of ammunition without permit. 

Aug 12: Anwar again denies rumours of him resigning. 

Aug 15: Anwar calls on people to rally behind Dr Mahathir for the country's economic recovery. 

Aug 19: A Sessions Court fixes Khalid's hearing for Dec 7. 

Aug 22: Attorney-General Tan Sri Mokhtar Abdullah does not rule out the possibility of more 
arrests in connection with Khalid's book. 

Aug 27: Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Ahmad Dom and his deputy Datuk Fong Weng Phak 
resign. 

Sept 2: Anwar is sacked as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister effective 5.30pm.