If you have acted honestly, do not fear investigation, Anwar says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said clean and trustworthy leaders should not fear investigations or enforcement action by Malaysia’s anti-corruption commission, police or tax authority. He said the government’s anti-corruption drive was not intended to pressure any group, but to ensure transparent and ethical governance.

“Do not worry. People who hold a trust and are clean should not fear measures taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police or the Inland Revenue Board,” Anwar told reporters after Friday prayers at Bukit Indah Mosque in Ampang.

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Do not worry. People who hold a trust and are clean should not fear measures taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police or the Inland Revenue Board.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the campaign had the support of the Cabinet and would continue. He urged the agencies involved to act carefully and fairly rather than pressure people, as critics have alleged. “If there is evidence, proceed. If there is no evidence, release them,” he said.

He framed the campaign as a national issue rather than a matter of race or political position. “Malay, Chinese, Indian, from Sabah or Sarawak, this is not about race. This is about saving the country. It is not about saving a position or saving a group,” he said. Anwar added that he would continue despite risks or pressure and asked Malaysians to pray that the country could be cleansed of corruption.

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If there is evidence, proceed. If there is no evidence, release them.

On proposals to hold Malaysia’s 16th general election early, Anwar said the government wanted to focus first on fighting corruption and abuse of power, improving public welfare and managing the economy. He said the government remained stable and would examine the proposal before presenting it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Anwar also said people called only to assist an investigation should not automatically be made to wear orange remand clothing, because doing so could create a different public perception. He said authorities should investigate first before deciding whether further action was needed.

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Malay, Chinese, Indian, from Sabah or Sarawak, this is not about race. This is about saving the country. It is not about saving a position or saving a group.