KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his attendance at national songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s concert recently was by special invitation and also in support of efforts to promote local arts, heritage and culture.

Responding to criticism from several quarters over his attendance, Anwar thanked them and said he accepted their views with an open heart, according to a report by national news agency Bernama today. 

“I went because Siti Nurhaliza and her husband, Datuk K (Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa), really urged me to attend, although I arrived a little late... but I was criticised by several quarters. Thank you,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar was responding to a joke by Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) about his attendance at the Konsert Tradisional Gema Bumantara, held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last Saturday.

The prime minister said the concert by the country’s renowned singer deserved praise for elevating the nation’s cultural heritage through its various traditional elements.

He said the traditional concert showcased the beauty of the country’s artistic heritage through wayang kulit, traditional dances and cultural performances from Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting the richness of local heritage and classical songs.