ALOR GAJAH: Efforts to eradicate corruption and reform the country continue to face resistance from those accustomed to benefitting from graft and commissions, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said opposition to change was not confined to any particular group, noting that resistance could also come from members of the elite, or those in positions of power who had become comfortable with such practices.
Speaking at a gathering with southern zone civil servants at the Public Works Department's Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Technology (CREaTE) in Simpang Ampat here on Wednesday (June 24), Anwar said this resistance often surfaced whenever the government took firm action against corruption or sought to improve the performance of the public service.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz were also present at the event.
Anwar said it was inaccurate to assume that resistance to reform only occurred among rural communities or those with limited educational backgrounds.
"Some people think resistance or opposition to change only happens in villages.
"But even among the elite, there are those who have become accustomed to corruption and commissions and they do not want change," he said.
The Prime Minister said such attitudes must be overcome if the nation is to continue progressing and earn greater respect internationally.
He said administrative reforms required political courage, strong institutional support and the commitment of civil servants to ensure the country is governed based on integrity and good governance.
Anwar added that the government remained committed to improving public sector performance and strengthening national competitiveness through reforms aimed at building a cleaner, more efficient and accountable administration.
