Enforcement bodies must adhere to rules, Anwar reiterates

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated a cautionary reminder for enforcement authorities not to overstep boundaries in the process of executing their duties, amid heightened grievances over alleged misconduct.

Although he had previously conveyed the message to the relevant authorities, Anwar said the admonition needed to be repeated.

However, the prime minister did not elaborate on the reasons behind this.

“While there is a need to act firmly and decisively against corruptors and criminals, we must also respect the legal system (by) being more responsible in complying with rules and not infringing (on such laws).

“I have already conveyed this reminder before, and it needs to be repeated,” Anwar said during his speech at the Prime Minister's Department’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

The prime minister also directed his remarks to the police, the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, and those tasked at border control agencies.

Previously, various quarters had doubled down on their calls for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), with various parties reiterating criticisms of the “toothless” Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC).

The push for the IPCMC garnered significant traction in the wake of several incidents, including the police’s fatal shooting of three suspects in Malacca, with the men’s families accusing police of committing murder.

In a separate case, whistleblower Albert Tei had also taken the MACC to task, accusing the graft buster’s officers of pointing guns at him and his family during a Nov 28 raid on his home, during which he was arrested and later charged with corruption.

Last month, Anwar had come to the defence of enforcement agencies, arguing that while there are some “undeniable shortcomings” in terms of action taken, it would be “unfair” to give a negative portrayal of such authorities.

Act now, not after losing power

Anwar today expressed his belief that the best time to take stern action against alleged misdeeds is when one is in power.

“This is the time we must do our best to cleanse the country of a rotten corruption culture that is still spreading through our machinery.

“We used to think that (corruption involved) politicians, but now it (implicates) public servants, army officers, and the police, without exception,” he added.

Without naming specific individuals, the prime minister also took a jab at “retired” figures who he said are bemoaning and criticising the state of the nation only after giving up positions that could have been utilised to exert positive changes.

“When asked what they did to uphold the dignity of the Malay bumiputera, or to clean up our forces… that’s why I often remind: do all necessary reforms while in power, not complain and grumble after losing power,” he said.

Anwar added that the MACC and other agencies have had to launch “attacks” against some such people as they have refused to hand over portions of their accumulated wealth.

“(For some), their wealth has overflowed.

“If it is true that the big figures of the past who have become immensely rich are concerned about the fate of the people, (they should) hand over half of their assets, locally and abroad, collected through proxies and nominees, to the rakyat.

“None have handed anything over yet. Because none have surrendered, the MACC and enforcement bodies have to attack to clean things up,” Anwar said without disclosing details on the issue. - Mkini