KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the use of government vehicles and security teams during his visit to Sabah, saying that the arrangements were strictly for security reasons and not for electioneering purposes.
“There was no government programme in Sabah. Those were party programmes.
“Which vehicle do you expect me to use? Of course, the government transportation. There is leeway given for that,” he said in response to questions raised by Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Anwar was in Sabah over the weekend, where he attended several events.
He told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that, “Under government rules, the PM must use official transportation due to security, which is beyond my control.”
He added that campaign programmes would not involve government programmes.
“I forbid it,” he said.
Anwar cited a recent event at a university – “Mahasiswa Temu Anwar” session – in which he cancelled it and asked for a venue change.
“I did not want a university, in its official capacity, to organise a programme just for Anwar with the students,” he said.
On a video alleging corruption linked to Sabah, Anwar said he had viewed the footage and found the claims “strong enough” to warrant an investigation.
“The investigation is being conducted by MACC. According to their explanation, the case has been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers,” he said.
He stressed that three individuals have already been charged.
“Why only three? Because the MACC found the case against them compelling, with strong evidence.
“The case has never been closed. I cannot instruct that someone must be charged just based on a video.
“I want to clarify that the evidence appears strong and reasonable, but it must be investigated. That is all. We must follow due process,” he said, adding that two of those charged were from parties within the unity government.
“So it is not true that we are protecting government-aligned individuals,” said Anwar.
Addressing the issue of his political secretary issuing a letter of support, Anwar said he had reprimanded him as such letters were against government procedures.
“If there is a letter addressed to me, the most I can write is ‘please review’. That is the standard,” he added.
