ENFORCEMENT agencies must act against wrongdoing without regard for position or partisanship, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said some people have opposed efforts to correct crime, such as embezzlement, using the race or religion card.

“There is use of race in the name of Malays, there is use of Islam; without investigating, without listening to the reports of the investigators of the enforcement agencies, they claim it is political persecution and so on

“We take action based on fact and law… not to manipulate,” he said at a staff assembly at the Finance Ministry in Putrajaya, today.

Anwar has in the past said that his unity government will not interfere in the work of the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and judiciary.

He said all agencies must be committed to raising up the country even when met with opposition from the rich and powerful.

“It’s a big risk because we’re facing very rich and powerful persons with high titles – Datuk Seri, Tan Sri, and Tun… But if there is determination to bring change, God willing, we can do it,” he said.

Anwar said he does not want the country to be rocked again by acts of large-scale corruption or power abuse.

He said the cabinet is also determined to not allow unhealthy practices and cultures to continue.

“Contracts and projects that do not comply with the rules of good governance will no longer be approved.

“It is up to the directors-general, department heads, ministry leader to ensure that this does not happen at all levels,” he said.

On whether the special advisory body to the finance minister has been given a task to do, Anwar said its chairman Mohd Hassan Marican will announce the actions that should be taken to drive the economy.

“Mohd Hassan will announce… I discussed with him yesterday,” he told reporters.

Yesterday, Anwar announced the appointment of Hassan, who is adviser to Petronas, to lead the panel.

Its four other members are FVSB Sdn Bhd executive chairman Ahmad Fuad Md Ali, economics professors Dr Yeah Kim Leng (Sunway University) and Dr Rajah Rasiah (Universiti Malaya),  and Sarawak Energy Bhd chairman Abdul Hamed Sepawi. – Bernama, February 8, 2023.