PUTRAJAYA: Take action against those who are corrupt, even if they have done much service to the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He praised the boldness of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in challenging “the big fishes” and fully authorised the commission to act against anyone involved in corruption without fear or favour.
“It is not right to not act against those who are corrupt just because they were once meritorious,” said Anwar.
He said this in his speech during the launching of the Keep Malaysia Clean (KMC) program held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here on Wednesday (Oct 1).
The Prime Minister also said that there has been a request from MACC for higher allocations in the next Budget.
Anwar stated that during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister in the 90s, he was assigned to review anti-corruption laws but encountered opposition.
“The provisions at that time stated that if the civil servant or a leader were found to be corrupt even after he had left the position five or ten years later, the authorities could still take action.
“ I said then that if we were not corrupt, we would not have to worry. We then passed it with some amendments,” said Anwar.
He also emphasised integrity and applauded the MACC for daring to go after the leaders of the country.
“Even the best of countries would not last if the system is endemic with corruption,
“This is not a tale of revenge; the goal is to ensure we remain free from corruption to save the country,” said Anwar.
In a statement issued during the event, MACC’s Consultative and Corruption Panel chair Datin Yasmin Ahmad Merican stated that the KMC programme would be based on three core pillars: clean values, a clean society free from corruption and a clean environment to safeguard the environment and foster national development.
“KMC is an open invitation and a call to uphold integrity in oil daily choices, to take the right path and preserve a values-driven Malaysia for generations to come.
“These collective efforts aim to contribute positively to Malaysia’s standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which today remains at the midpoint of global trust rankings,” said Yasmin.
