The judiciary is independent, Anwar says on DNAA criticisms
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has questioned his critics over the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) rulings granted by the courts.
Anwar said the judiciary was independent and that criticisms of him over court decisions contradicted public expectations of an independent judiciary.
"One example is corruption cases. One person receives a DNAA and the prime minister is condemned by one group.
"Then the next week, another person receives a DNAA, and the prime minister is condemned again. But these guys talk about judicial independence. This is an apparent contradiction.
"What do you want? Do you want me to be a dictator by asking the judges to make rulings based on your personal views about corruption?" he asked.
He said this in his speech at the Asean-Madani Leadership Programme 2025 today.
Anwar also took aim at what he described as "gross inconsistencies" in the attitudes of certain segments of society towards anti-corruption efforts.
"I have a huge problem with some of our so-called educated allies. Some call for reform and change, but I also detect some gross inconsistencies when it comes to the anti-corruption drive.
"I find it odd, utterly hypocritical, to be talking about corruption and comparing it to one person, a former prime minister, for example, and ignoring the fact that billions have been squandered," he said.
He criticised the silence when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigated those figures, adding that the fight against corruption should be rooted in ethics and values, not partisanship.
"I'm not saying we should be drawn to partisan politics. We should be drawn to ethics and values.
"Just because these billionaires support you or support your organisation or support your party or support your civil society, that does not mean that we should erase or ignore the corrupt practices of the past," he said.
On nation-building, Anwar said Malaysia must pursue unity and positive reforms to safeguard the country's future and foster growth through good governance.
He said the country was founded on idealism and strong moral values, but over time, these principles have weakened across generations.
"Malaysia is a multiracial, multireligious society. There are calls from every racial group demanding to be protected, and everybody will express some form of dissatisfaction.
"We have to accept that and work and navigate wisely. Can we satisfy all at the same time? No. But we have to agree on one thing.
"Can we just accept the fact that only through positive reforms can we not only save society and the nation, but propel the economy through growth and good governance?
"The answer is, of course, unequivocally, yes, there is a possibility," he said.
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