ANN/THE STAR – It will take a few years to eradicate kleptocracy and to be able to practise good governance, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“The government has to fight not only the practices of certain individuals but also to change the system that has been rooted in corruption,” he said.
The objective of the unity government is to save the country from mismanagement and bad leadership, he said in his speech during a meet-and-greet session with federal and state civil servants yesterday.
Anwar urged civil servants to be financially prudent and to improve their services for the sake of the people.
Among those present at the event were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Secretary Mohd Zuki Ali and Penang state secretary Mohd Sayuthi Bakar.
At a press conference later, Anwar was asked to comment about several arrests linked to the Human Resources Ministry by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
These arrests, he said, were based on MACC’s discretion and followed claims of corruption.
“My instruction to MACC is clear; take action on anyone if there is a basis or evidence to it,” he said.
An aide to Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar was picked up on Wednesday along with a businessman.
Yesterday, another officer from the ministry was arrested after she was summoned by MACC for her statement to be recorded.
At a separate event, Anwar said that state governments under the opposition coalition should improve their relationship with the federal government for the sake of the people.
Anwar said the differences in political ideology should not be a stumbling block between the federal and state governments.
“I hope we can put aside our differences and improve our cooperation for the people.”
He dismissed allegations that the federal government had turned its back on opposition-led state governments by denying them their constituency allocations.
