KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that he will not interfere in court cases involving any Cabinet minister.
Anwar said he had informed the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice that this country must stand up to the rule of law.
The Prime Minister said he will not take action before there is a transparent and independent due process in court.
“Action cannot be taken based on prosecution and before a court judgment,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari on whether the appointment of Cabinet Ministers with court cases will affect the court decision during the Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar said he would not appologise if he was perceived as being harsh in dealing with corruption, while stressing that the actions taken were based on evidence and did not involve personal interests.
“I can assure you that it will not affect the Malaysian Madani principle and policy. I have instructed (relevent agencies) to take action, I do not care from which party including from Keadilan (PKR) itself.
“I want the people to understand that the country cannot survive without good values and morals. We can progress economically but there will be damage in terms of governance which also involves corruption and abuse of power,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said his deputy and Bagan Datuk MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has carried out his duties in compliance with the principles and the policies outlined by the government.
“There was a case where a GLC under his (ministry) had proposed some immediate actions (approval of a project) without tender. He had stated that he must obey the instructions of the Prime Minister and all must go through the proper tender process,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question from Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong on how the Malaysia Madani concept can be instilled among the plural society in Malaysia, Anwar said the concept is comprehensive and fair for all people in this country.
“Do not be afraid of the Arabic term (Madani)…I can assure you its implementation will be fair for all Malaysians,” he said.
— Bernama
