By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 5: Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied ordering the police to investigate those who criticise him or his government.
He clarified that it is not the order from the prime minister or the government, but it is fixed in the Federal Constitution and the strict statement by the Malay Rulers who remarked on the need to be vigilant towards those playing racial sentiments and religious extremism.
“The order was from the Malay Rulers in abiding by the Federal Constitution. This cannot be equated to criticism of the prime minister or government.
“I have never instructed (the police), and I even informed the Inspector General of Police that criticism towards the prime minister or the government in a democratic system is allowed.
“Similarly, I will use the space available to answer my critics when necessary,” he said in a special press conference held in Putrajaya today.
Commenting on criticisms regarding the inclusion of MPs facing corruption charges in his Cabinet, Anwar stressed that he and his team do not compromise on the issue of governance and anti-corruption drive.
“If it (criticism) comes from some leaders that I know who talk about kleptocracy, I take this opportunity to explain (that) kleptocracy means a system that allows leaders to steal. Now those who have been saying this shouldn’t confine (kleptocracy) to any particular person in the system, and it is interesting that those who have been using this kleptocracy are themselves very much compromised in many of these dealings benefiting their children or in-laws.
“So, I must remind them that if you really want to get to the bottom of this, you must be prepared to be truly transparent and investigated. Investigation cannot be selective. As far as we are concerned, I believe and trust my Cabinet team is determined to ensure that we follow strict rules and the principles of good governance,” he added.
On Dec 3, the former prime minister turned Opposition leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that Anwar had thrown away his good governance principles as promised in his election campaigning when he appointed a ‘kleptocrat’ into the Federal Cabinet. — DayakDaily
