Anwar on govt: Hard to find someone 'clean', many involved in graft

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today appeared to acknowledge criticism that some members of his cabinet were not clean from corruption.

He said, however, that finding those who are "clean" is a difficult task.

In a speech in Putrajaya, Anwar vowed that as long as he is in power, he would not allow any minister - including himself - to abuse their position for corruption.

"(But) what's past is past. We can talk about history. Many are implicated (in corruption), you need not say it.

"If I want to see the records and find someone clean, it is very difficult.

"There are many who say they are clean, but there are also many who stole," he said.

Anwar said this after taking a swipe at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad over purported corruption while the latter was in power.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

The prime minister had been criticised after appointing Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as his deputy last year.

Zahid is on trial for corruption and was also implicated in the littoral combat ship scandal.

In the past, Anwar justified Zahid’s appointment by saying that the latter has adhered to his administration's policy of keeping all dealings above board and for government tenders to be open. - Mkini