Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim asserted that he would not interfere in any ongoing corruption cases involving politicians.
“I have never given a guarantee to anyone stating they will be released from punishment unless decided by a free and fair judge,” he said at an event at his official residence recently.
Ironically, one of Anwar’s deputy prime ministers and Umno leader, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is facing corruption charges.
Zahid is accused of 47 counts of money laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving millions of ringgit from Yayasan Akalbudi and accepting bribes for various projects during his tenure as the home minister.
He also happens to be the person who made the premier’s coalition government possible by roping Umno into an alliance with Pakatan Harapan to form a majority government.
The 10th PM was previously chastised for appointing Zahid as one of his deputies, although he defended the decision by stating that the latter has not been found guilty of corruption yet.
During his speech, Anwar assured that enforcement agencies will be free to carry out their responsibilities.
He added that he would make sure that entities such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are always transparent in carrying out their duties, apart from the fact that no one can escape the punishment meted out by the court.
Anwar said that enforcement agencies in the country will have the full freedom to carry out their duties.
In addition to making sure that no one is exempt from the punishment handed down by the court, he promised to ensure that organizations like the Attorney-Chambers General’s and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) always act transparently in the performance of their duties.
He also expressed confidence in his ability to rid the country of corruption. He warned his Cabinet ministers that anyone caught bribing or abusing power would be fired immediately.
“I have informed the Cabinet ministers whom I have chosen, that first and foremost, there should be no corruption.
“I have also informed all component party leaders that if any minister is involved in corruption, I will seek their mandate to sack them immediately,” he said, adding that the reminder was not a political gimmick but rather his confidence in freeing the country of corruption.
Anwar stated that the unity government he leads will not compromise on such culture.
