KUALA LUMPUR: The procurement of defence systems will now be conducted on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis without the involvement of agents or commissions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stated that the government had recently held discussions with France and Italy to ensure transparency in defence procurement deals.
"Go directly government to government, and avoid this manner of taking or squandering money through so-called commissions," he said in an interview on France 24, published on the network's online platform on Monday (July 7).
Speaking in the 'Tête-à-tête' programme hosted by Marc Perelman, Anwar was asked about allegations that he was pursuing a political vendetta against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family via investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Anwar responded that anti-corruption probes have been conducted transparently involving many leaders, including those aligned with the government coalition and Sabah state assemblymen, among others.
"It's not about whether someone is a former finance minister or prime minister, it doesn't matter. I believe it is my duty to ensure that this kind of corruption stops. Secondly, any funds stolen from the people must be returned, we want to improve our schools, we want to help the poor," he said.
Anwar, who was attending BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, had previously embarked on his working visits to Rome, Italy and Paris, France since July 1, before arriving in the Brazilian city on Saturday. – Bernama
