ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS MUST BE PRECISE AND UPHOLD INTEGRITY - PM ANWAR

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- All enforcement actions must be carried out with precision to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of institutions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the reasons and procedures for any arrest must be clearly and promptly explained when questioned, as the focus is not just on enforcing the law but also on its implementation.

“When the method of an arrest is called into question, provide clear reasons and respond firmly and promptly. Don’t delay. Yes, there are legal processes and the courts, but what matters more is preserving the integrity of these (enforcement) bodies.

“This must be carefully examined to uphold and safeguard the authority and integrity of institutions. Institutional integrity is not just about taking action, but also about how the action is carried out. If it is questioned, challenged or publicised, give a response,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (HARA), here today.

Anwar said enforcement agencies must be bold and ready to take action against their own members if misconduct occurs, to safeguard institutional integrity and keep the country secure.

“If one of our members happens to go astray, minor mistakes can be dealt with through ordinary disciplinary action. But if it’s a serious breach, enforcement agencies must be prepared to take action against their own members, because only then can the country be safe,” he said.

“…if an issue arose in my own office, I would tell Azam [Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission - MACC] that no one would be protected and action must be taken immediately.

“No one in my own office is exempt from action. Why shouldn’t agencies take action (against their own members)? Whether it’s the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Attorney General, or Tan Sri Azam’s office, no one is above the law,” he said.

Anwar said that if every institution upholds transparency and integrity, it would mark the country’s success in achieving the highest standards of integrity and clean governance.

He also emphasised that the government will maintain an open administration, welcoming complaints, feedback, and advice from all quarters, while ensuring that every enforcement action strictly follows legal procedures.

Anwar acknowledged that fighting crime, corruption, and smuggling is a challenging task, given that those involved often have significant financial resources and wide-reaching networks of influence.

“It’s not easy, because those we go after often have billions in assets. Even if we seize three or four billion (ringgit), do you think they don’t have billions more stashed away?”

“There’s still more… they use it to back politicians, infiltrate our systems, public offices, the judiciary, and enforcement agencies, and even launch attacks on us through social media,” he said.

Also present at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

-- BERNAMA