Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed a claim by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has become a political tool of the government, describing the accusation as unfair and made without properly examining relevant reports. He stressed that any allegation must be made responsibly and based on facts, not driven by sentiment or political whims.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated, "That is Bersih's view, but it is unfair. Bersih is not making clean statements. If they want to make accusations, wait for the reports first, then respond or decide," during a media interaction after attending the Public Service Department's Ihya' Ramadan programme. Anwar emphasized that the government has established a committee to investigate the claims, and the matter is also under the purview of the authorities, including the Attorney General.
"I am not defending anyone. But we already have a committee. And I trust the Attorney General. We haven't even received the reports yet, and already they are accusing based on political appetite. Do not attack people without first obtaining information, especially during Ramadan," Anwar added. He further stated that all parties have the right to criticize, including the MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, but such criticism must be consistent and based on facts.
Anwar pointed out, "We can criticize anyone, including Azam Baki, but let it be consistent. Billions have been stolen from this country, and that has been exposed. Back then, when billions were being stolen, why were there no voices?" Anwar stressed that the issue of corruption must be tackled seriously and should not be politicized for personal or political gain.
His remarks stemmed from an earlier statement by Bersih, which slammed what it claimed was MACC's deviation from its original mandate to fight corruption. Bersih's steering committee alleged that the enforcement agency is now being used as a tool for political intimidation, pointing to the recent case involving James Chai, a Malaysian citizen and former aide to ex-Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.