KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged the opposition to expose any wrongdoing involving unity government ministers, including corruption and leaks, if any exist.
He also guaranteed that he would not defend or protect anyone in the government who abuses their power or engages in any wrongdoing.
This is what the opposition should have done, instead of merely pointing fingers and claiming that their leaders were unfairly accused.
If there is anything, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki is present here, along with other ministers as well.
“We all agree that if one of our friends in the cabinet is implicated in (any corruption) including contract-related matters, our directive is clear: we are not here to defend or protect,” he said.
The opposition has claimed that no action is taken against government ministers and that the opposition has been targeted if there are any corruption-related wrongdoings, Anwar said.
“If there is any wrongdoing, I will not defend it, but let us not use it as a shield to protect one of the biggest corrupt leaders in the history of this country, who has oppressed us until now,” he added.
Anwar was speaking to members of the Prime Minister’s Department at their monthly assembly in Putrajaya this morning.
He added that the huge amount of money saved from corruption and financial leakages is used to enhance various infrastructures for the benefit of the people.
“If we were able to save RM10 billion or RM20 billion, just imagine the potential impact on the number of universities, schools, hospitals, and increased allowances for civil servants,” he added.
He underscored that the ongoing loss of national revenue due to the leakage of crude oil and diesel has not been fully mitigated, posing a significant loss to both the country and its citizens.
Therefore, Anwar appealed to all stakeholders, including civil servants, to work together in order to ensure that within the next year or two, Malaysians must embrace a renewed determination and spirit.
According to him, this collective effort aims to safeguard Malaysia from various instances of power abuse and wealth mismanagement, ultimately restoring the people’s confidence and bolstering their income.
“If we can save RM10 billion or RM20 billion, it will not be used to refurbish the prime minister’s house or increase his allowance.
“Instead, the objective is to channel these funds back to the people, eradicate poverty, enhance the quality of education, and safeguard children of all religions, races, and regions.
“Therefore, we should move beyond debates over small allocations; there is no justification for allowing these issues to persist. I hope this yields positive outcomes,” he added.
He said his cabinet understands the significance of the various religions in the country, their culture, and national responsibility, all of which necessitate a foundation of good governance.
“I do not deny the existence of various pressures and voices today, but it is crucial for my colleagues to understand that the process must be respected.
“The legal process must be upheld, and efforts should be directed towards restoring the integrity of the judiciary, the enforcement body, and, in a broader sense, the integrity of the nation as an independent, sovereign, and integral entity,” he added. – February 5, 2024