PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vowed again to rid the civil service of the small number of corrupt people who stubbornly solicit and accept bribes.
He said corruption must be stopped in its tracks, adding that he will not hesitate to take action against this small number of public servants as their action tarnishes the unity government's image.
"I realise that there are still small sections (in the civil service) that are still trying to accept bribes and big gifts.
"I request full cooperation from all of you and will not reconsider such behaviour that has brought down and tarnished the nation's image for so long," he said.
Anwar said this in his keynote address at the Munajat Ambang Tahun Baru programme at the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya tonight.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque Salahuddin Ghozali.
Anwar added that he would also not allow any negligent action from civil servants and cabinet members that would lead to the destruction of the nation.
"This is a great slander against civil servants who have changed and understood. I hope there will be repentance and change or stern action will be taken.
"This is because we cannot allow the 'termites' which threaten and undermine the foundation of our nation's governance," he said.