You may dislike PM but don't dismiss anti-graft efforts, opposition told

Opposition representatives may dislike Anwar Ibrahim but they should not dismiss efforts made by the premier to save the country from corruption, said Sabah Umno leader Salleh Said Keruak.

Taking to Facebook, Salleh advised the political leaders from the opposition bloc against having an aversion to something that brings good to the nation.

He said the opposition should be open-minded and be politically mature, not only to congratulate but also to support the efforts made by Anwar as well as MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki to eradicate graft within the civil service.

“Credit should be given when it is due.

“Top political leaders among the opposition should take heart that national interest is above their political agenda and self-interest.

“Are they not interested in the public and national interest that they pretend not to notice MACC bursting corruption among the civil service?” he said in a statement.

‘Power to rule’

Salleh, who is also former Sabah chief minister, questioned if the opposition desired the “power to rule” so much that they showed a lack of interest in the government’s efforts to combat corruption.

“You (the opposition representatives) turn your cheek the other way because when you were in power, you ignored the cancer of corruption in the civil service. And that you only talk about matters of national interests when campaigning during the general election.”

This comes after Anwar issued a stern warning on June 10 that managers in the civil service will be denied promotions if they fail to report corruption within their department or unit.

The prime minister stressed that the responsibility to combat corruption does not solely lie with enforcement bodies, emphasising that civil service leaders themselves must take responsibility to root out wrongdoing within their ranks.

Anwar also questioned how rampant corruption could persist for years within the civil service without top officials being aware of it - which he said was “impossible”.

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has since backed Anwar’s warning to department heads in the civil service.

Its president Adnan Mat said the prime minister’s warning should be viewed positively.

Anwar is determined to prioritise anti-graft efforts as a key agenda for his government.

He has already commended recent actions by enforcement agencies like the MACC, Inland Revenue Board and the Attorney-General’s Chambers against corruption.

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