PM calls for clean and accountable governance, free of divisions
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Malaysia must remain united and strong, with pride and dignity, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Everyone, he added, must reject racial and religious divisions, corruption and abuse of power.
With the country on the threshold of National Day, Anwar said Malaysians should look back at the pages of history while working together to write new chapters for the nation.
He said nation-building would never succeed if Malaysians remained divided, hurled insults at one another or fought over race, skin colour and religion.
“When we talk about wrongdoing, whether it is a Chinese, Malay, Indian, Iban or Kadazan, corruption and abuse of power do not have a race.
“This country must be governed firmly, courageously and cleanly, rejecting all forms of corruption and abuse.
“When someone robs, we do not ask about his race.
“If the person who robs is Malay, is that okay? If the person who steals is Chinese, is that different? No, there is no such thing,” he said at a National Day Madani programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh here yesterday.
Anwar said anyone entrusted with responsibility, from student and institutional leaders to ministers, agency heads, company leaders and national leaders, must be accountable.
“If his intention and actions are to uphold the dignity and honour of the country, he must be sincere and free from all forms of wrongdoing and injustice.
“You cannot claim that you want to uphold the dignity of the country and enrich the people while enriching yourself first.
“We cannot manage the country while allowing the nation’s resources to be plundered by certain parties.
“Imagine if we manage this country properly and prevent abuse of power and corruption. We can save money,” he said, in an apparent reference to the Tabung Haji scandal.
Earlier, at the Bangkit Permatang Pauh Entrepreneur Scheme programme, Anwar defended the government’s decision to reduce special number-betting draws from 22 to eight annually.
He said the 22 special draws had been approved under previous administrations before he became Prime Minister.
“When I became Prime Minister, I reduced it from 22 to eight.
“What are you scolding me for? When you were in power, it was 22 times. When I was in power, I reduced it to eight,” he said, referring to recent criticism by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over number-betting outlet licences in the state.
Anwar said the reduction might not satisfy his critics, but maintained that his administration had taken steps to curb gambling activities.
“Criticism is inevitable. People are angry with me now as they say I am too strict, arresting people here and there. I am not the one arresting anyone.”
Anwar said enforcement agencies investigated allegations of financial misconduct, gathered evidence and prosecuted those found to have committed offences.
At the Maulid Akbar ceremony held in conjunction with National Day at Masjid Tengah earlier, Anwar said Muslims must set an example through good character, integrity and diligence while rejecting corruption and wrongdoing.
He said respect for Muslims should stem from the positive values they demonstrate in their daily lives, including working hard, keeping promises and not abusing positions of trust.
“If people see us working hard, displaying good character, not cheating and not stealing money, they will respect us.
“We must set a good example.
“Islam carries a message of compassion and goodness for all, and Muslims must safeguard relationships and the welfare of the entire community, regardless of race or religion.”
