Corrupt ministers will be sacked immediately, Anwar says

Ministers will be sacked immediately if they are found to be involved in corruption, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said he recently issued a stern warning to the newly appointed ministers, stressing the importance of good governance.

“I was the first to talk about good governance. I told leaders of all component parties that if there are (corruption) cases during my administration as prime minister, they (ministers) will be fired immediately,” he said.

He was speaking during a religious meeting at the prime minister’s official residence, the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, this evening.

“I will not tolerate it. This is not a political statement, this is my belief.

“I was thrown into prison, beaten half to death, tortured for a long time... not to brag, win, and become prime minister.

Anwar also stressed that he did not give assurance to free anyone from punishment should they be found guilty by the court.

“If I want to compromise, I would have been the prime minister years ago.

“The same goes for the professionalism and independence of enforcement agencies. I have met with the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, and the MACC chief and they called for the same thing.

“I want to prove that there are Malays who use their power to protect and defend the fate of the people in this country.”

Zahid’s appointment

Previously, the appointment of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is on trial for corruption, as deputy prime minister drew backlash from various quarters.

However, Anwar said the decision was made due to party hierarchy considerations.

He said critics have a right to question the appointment but pointed out that Zahid’s trial is still ongoing and the legal process should also be respected.

For the record, Zahid was acquitted of all 40 graft charges in relation to the Foreign Visa System.

The Court of Appeal has fixed Jan 10 for another case management of the prosecution’s appeal against the decision to acquit him.

Umno president is also entering defence against the 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, graft, and money laundering over the charitable organisation Yayasan Akalbudi’s funds at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

That trial has been postponed to January.

Need to get a clear mandate

In other developments, Anwar said holding a motion of confidence during the parliamentary sitting set for Dec 19 is important for him to obtain a clear mandate to lead the country.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong asked him if a confidence vote is necessary when the numbers are clear and that the prime minister has the backing of MPs from Pakatan Harapan, BN, GPS, GRS, and several other parties.

“If I don’t get it (pass the confidence vote), I will bow to the people’s voice. This is to prove to those who accused me of putting everything aside just to grab power. This is not true.

“And the Agong said, God willing, and prayed that it would go well.”

The 15th Parliament will commence with the meeting of the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 19 and 20.

According to a notice sent to MPs, the first order of business will be the election of the Dewan Rakyat speaker.

This process will be the first test of Anwar's majority.

A motion of confidence on the prime minister is listed as the eighth item on the agenda.

The government is also expected to table a “mini budget” for civil service emoluments while waiting for the new finance minister to craft the full budget for 2023.

COMMENT | As PM and finance minister, Anwar can wield good governance

Remember your 'black eye', Suaram tells PM on reforming police powers

Anwar's 'housekeeping list' since becoming PM

Anwar: Cabinet salaries slashed 20pct until economy recovers