ISKANDAR PUTERI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied that the government is targeting former political leaders via a series of crackdowns by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The MACC, he said, is only carrying out its job to battle corruption without fear or favour.
"This is an MACC matter. However, I don't want people to think that this (corruption) is a small matter. Whether the cases are old or new, they have to be investigated.
"Some quarters shouldn't think that this (MACC's actions) are only targeting certain people and that the big fish are getting away scot-free," he said.
Anwar was speaking to reporters after a meet-and-greet session with the Port of Tanjung Pelepas staff here today.
Yesterday, the MACC had summoned the wife of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin and their two sons to aid its corruption and money laundering probe.
Toh Puan Naimah Khalid and their sons, Muhammad Amin Zainuddin and Muhammad Amir Zainuddin, had given their statements at the MACC headquarters.
Naimah had said that Daim's success is being used as an excuse to tarnish his reputation and portray him as corrupt. She added that Daim was already known as a tycoon and a multi-billionaire before entering public office 40 years ago.
MACC yesterday also said it had recorded a statement from former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over a probe into the supposed misuse of RM700 million in government funds.
Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he wasn't bothered by criticism of his aggressive campaign against corruption.
"Let them criticise. If we were to save this country, we have to clean it up so that no other leaders plunder its wealth.
"These practices of killing off positions, abusing rank and taking bribes to enrich oneself are what has led to Malaysia's problems in many areas, and have to be stopped.
"This involves using one's position to enrich your wife and children. I know many are uneasy with this (battle against corruption) but it has to be done to save the country," he said.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman and PKR president, said the country's development will be stunted if corruption remains rife.
"If the country loses billions of ringgit (from corruption), how can the government repair the healthcare and education sectors and provide facilities for the people?
"For example, even projects such as fixing school toilets and restoring dilapidated schools will be stunted because money meant for the country's development has been stolen," he said.