Do not let corruption entrench itself among the police, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Corruption must be tackled without fear or favour or it will destroy the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said besides the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the police must also fight corruption in a strict and brave manner.

"We must not betray this trust. Trust me, it is not easy.

"Once corruption becomes systemic, it will infiltrate the whole police force," he said during his speech in conjunction with the 217th Police Day celebrations at the police training centre here on Monday (March 25).

Anwar said corruption was also among the 3Cs – communism, corruption and communalism – raised in 1961 by the third prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak.

"Even then, the top leadership stressed that corruption would destroy the country.

"Our forefathers fought hard for the country to achieve independence.

"Their sacrifices should never be allowed by subsequent leadership and civil servants to plunder wealth," he said.

Separately, the Prime Minister reiterated that the law should always be allowed to take its course, whatever the issue.

"Investigate the matter professionally, charge and take action swiftly because we will not tolerate insults to any race or religion," he said.

Anwar also said that the police had full authority to carry out investigations.

"Whenever a report is made, there is a process to follow. We should not act brashly – I don't care if the person is from a political party, civil society, a notable figure or the general public," he said.

Also present were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.