I'm not vengeful, says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech during the 2023 Kedah Madani gathering at Dataran Stargate in Alor Setar in Kedah.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not have any political agenda when investigating political leaders accused of corruption, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister was responding to claims by Opposition leaders that he was a vengeful leader who abused his power against them.

"I have never ordered for people to be arrested as it is under the jurisdiction of MACC to do that.

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"If anybody had committed a crime, regardless if they are from Pakatan Harapan, PKR, Umno, PAS or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), they will be arrested, put on trial and sent to jail if found guilty," he was quoted saying by Sinar Harian during the Kedah Madani Assembly in Dataran Stargate, Kedah on Friday (April 28).

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Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that MACC had investigated people only if there was proof of wrongdoing such as the Jana Wibawa case and flood mitigation projects.

"They criticise me for being vengeful and cite verses from the Quran and Islamic scriptures, they blame the authorities for taking swift action, yet they protect those who commit corrupt acts.

Anwar stressed he had never abused his power as Prime Minister by tampering with legal affairs as it was the responsibility of MACC, the Attorney General and respected judges.

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"I am not trying to make enemies as Prime Minister. I know what it means to struggle behind bars and I will not have others suffer the same fate," he said.

He believed it is time for the people of Kedah to support the unity government and improve their situation as well as help the needy.

"I want to show people that we can govern the country fairly under an Islamic administration. I am already 76 years old and hope the youth will help usher this change, not out of hate but out of love.

"I am grateful that the public is starting to see this, especially the youth. May God guide us with good values and ideas," he said.