KUALA LUMPUR: Describing infiltration of intelligence bodies as a disaster for the country, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that there will be no cover-ups or compromise in cases affecting national security.
The Prime Minister said the recent arrest of 10 individuals, including five senior Armed Forces officers, over suspected involvement in a smuggling syndicate was possible because graftbusters can now investigate without any interference.
“If you ask why these matters are only being exposed now, it’s because the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has the freedom to investigate.
“That’s the difference,” he told Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who had asked about recent incidents involving national security.
Anwar said he has also informed the Armed Forces Chief to investigate the matter thoroughly, adding that this was also raised during an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I am waiting for the initial report, but we will not cover up anything. If we begin compromising on breaches within our intelligence apparatus, it would be disastrous for the country,” he said.
On Aug 14, MACC remanded 10 individuals, including five senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces and two news portal journalists, believed to be involved in a smuggling syndicate operating in the south of the country.
The Prime Minister said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, especially within entrusted government machinery.
He said preliminary investigations had identified the case as far back as 2020, but it only came to light this year after MACC was granted full access to investigate.
While he warned against politicising the matter, Anwar also gave assurance that no one will be protected if found guilty of any misconduct.
This includes cases like the recent attack on Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s son or the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
