Anti-graft driver: Anwar delivering the keynote address in Putrajaya. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has had enough of corruption and smuggling activities in the country.
He has now given enforcement officers one week to decide whether or not they want to go on an all-out war against graft.
Those who feel they are not up to it can request for a “demotion” in duties, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared.
According to Anwar, it is unacceptable that top civil servants are still tolerating wrongdoings such as smuggling, bribing and gangsterism activities.
“I want to give a strict and quick reminder here. We have reached a stage where we need to give a firm answer.
“If you feel that you are not able to carry out your duties because the challenges are too big and heavy, or you are simply not interested ... within this week, let your departments, myself or even the Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) know about it.
“If you are not ready to take a brave step ahead, then please, give space to someone else,” Anwar told department heads and enforcement agencies under the Finance Ministry at Putrajaya yesterday.
Anwar said he gave the one-week ultimatum to enforcement officers because his patience has run thin.
“I have lost my patience and I feel there are weaknesses that must be fixed. We want to save this country because it has good potentials and the people are hungry for change.
“So, I am giving one week. Let us, including those at the highest level (in enforcement), reflect on this.
“I will respect you if you choose lesser responsibilities or positions. But, if you are entrusted with this (enforcement) duty, please take this one week to reflect on this,” said Anwar.
The Prime Minister said it was important for all relevant enforcement agencies and departments to work as a team and ensure that the nation’s borders are protected from any form of smuggling.
“Are we blind? How can our borders be penetrated just like that? Have our officers lost the meaning of values such as truth and fairness?
“We must work as a team and try to solve issues as best as we can,” he said.
Anwar also said it is unacceptable for enforcement officers to take a careless and forgiving attitude towards wrongdoing.
“Do we want it to be business as usual, where we are okay with smuggling, bribes and gangsterism? We cannot keep going on like this.
“So, I urge you to take immediate action, from this moment.”
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Bakar said Anwar’s announcement was in line with the government’s aspirations for 2026 to ensure faster execution.
He also said he was ready to evaluate any request by enforcement officers to reduce their responsibilities.
“We will see. But, for now, we mean business,” he said.
In his New Year address on Jan 5, Anwar had said that 2026 would be a test of execution rather than policy intent, as the current political stability must translate into tangible improvements in governance and service delivery.
Anwar had said decisive action must be taken to fix long-standing governance weaknesses while his administration was still in power.
