KUALA LUMPUR: Ministers and deputy ministers in the unity government will not be exempted from being scrutinised and investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if suspected of being involved in any form of corruption and abuse of power. offences, said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also pledged that the ministers and deputy ministers investigated by the MACC for their suspected involvement in corruption and abuse of power would be asked to step down from their position in a "compulsory" manner.
Anwar, who has been vocal about efforts to eradicate any form of corruption in the country, said the MACC is monitoring all the tenders approved by every ministry and agencies in the federal administration.
"I have issued a clear reminder on this.
"I have also said that (the MACC) do not need to ask for my permission if commission wanted to initiate action (against ministers and deputy ministers involved in corruption and abuse of power).
"It is compulsory (for the ministers and deputy ministers suspected to be involved in corruption and abuse of power) to be dropped (from the unity government).
"This is the way in order for us to save the country (from continuing to be gripped by corruption)," said Anwar in his speech at the National Anti-Corruption Summit 2024 here today.
Themed "Embeding Intergrity and Good Governance in Human Capital Development", some 1,300 people attended the summit, which was jointly organised by the Human Resources Development Corporation with the MACC.
Present were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Also in attendance was MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Anwar, in his speech, also challenged critics of his administration to present evidence of suspected involvement in corruption and abuse of powers involving ministers and deputy ministers in the federal administration under his leadership.
"Since we came into power, the federal administration has been (verbally) attacked from every corner.
"To that, I have said this both in and outside of the Parliament... provide me with one proof that prime minister and ministers (involvement in corruption) and I will ask Tan Sri Azam to investigate this..
"If there is any, I want them to be investigated and arrested...,"he said. At the event, Anwar also highlighted the need for more programmes and initiatives to educate the people on the detrimental impact of corruption and abuse of power towards the development of the country and the welfare and livelihood of the people.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, described the general understanding on the impact of corruption was still extremely "mendatar" (low) and "dangkal" (superficial).
"There is seem to be a 'disconnect' on this. More efforts needed to tell them on how billions ringgit embezzled by irresponsible quarters will affect the rights of the people.
"More explanation need to educate them on how the billions of ringgit stolen will have its impact, let says, the (review in the) allowance or increment to the salaries of civil servants," he said.
On the summit, Anwar said he hoped that more of such events could be held in the country.
"We must render a strong meaning that this country. And the Madani government will pursue this agenda without fear and favour."