Anwar warned that authorities should not act against someone simply because they are from a different group or parties, or due to past conflicts with allied groups.
PUTRAJAYA: No one should pass judgment before a full investigation is carried out and any action must follow the law, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that allegations against individuals in positions of authority must be handled strictly according to the legal process.
“Any serious complaints should be channeled through proper procedures, as is currently being done in the ongoing MACC’s case.
“We must not punish first without investigating. If action is necessary, we’ll take action. If punishment is warranted, we impose it according to the law.”
However, Anwar warned that authorities should not act against someone simply because they are from a different group or parties, or due to past conflicts with allied groups.
He stressed the need for caution, especially in governance.
Anwar was referring to the ongoing case involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which has drawn significant public interest, with several Cabinet members calling on Tan Sri Azam Baki to step down or take leave pending investigations. A demonstration to hold him accountable was also held on Sunday.
Recently, Bloomberg published a series of reports alleging potential conflicts of interest involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Tan Sri Azam Baki. The reports claimed that Azam held 17.7 million shares, or a 1.7% stake, in Velocity Capital Bhd, based on the company’s annual return lodged on Feb 3 last year. The international news outlet also raised questions about the conduct of the anti-graft agency.
In response, Azam filed a RM100 million lawsuit against Bloomberg, which has stood by its reporting. He has said he is prepared to be investigated by any government committee examining his shareholding.
The government has agreed to establish a special task force to probe the allegations, chaired by Attorney-General Tan Sri Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
Azam has dismissed calls for him to take leave, maintaining that he will continue to perform his duties while the investigation is ongoing.
The Sun Malaysia
