4 days ago
PM: No prosecution without proof
KOTA KINABALU: Stating that he is not a dictator, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said while he has a duty to maintain peace and uphold law, it is not to the extent of prosecuting without proof and going through the proper procedures.
'I want to be straightforward: What's the use of saying nice things that sound good?
'What I want to say here is (about) those videos that were circulated, I did not want to get involved.
'But when things heated up, of course I will ask the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) about it,' the Prime Minister said, assuring that thorough investigations are ongoing in this case.
He was commenting on videos implicating state ministers and assemblymen, accusing them of allegedly receiving bribes in the controversial mining prospecting scandal in Sabah.
Anwar said people had started to question why he did not intervene and made it sound as if he was trying to help cover up the alleged corruption.
'But I am not a dictator. We are not a country of perception. These things cannot be handled based on perception, accusation and slander,' Anwar said when opening the Kaamatan Festival, held at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association yesterday.
The Prime Minister also said that when fighting for state rights or asking for allocations, those who choose to work closely with the Federal Government can achieve more.
'For example in the PETRONAS and Petros Sarawak issue, we discussed properly with Abang Jo (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) and came to a solution,' he said.
Anwar said the Federal Govern-ment has no intention of stopping anyone or any state from being independent, and he has no issue giving Sabah and Sarawak more in terms of its revenue, including its oil and gas.
'However, we discuss and have close working relations rather than winning an argument by shouting and cursing,' he said.
Anwar said the government would always listen to views and requests from Sabah be it for infrastructure, social or economic developments.
He said the Federal Government has done much to bring peace, prosperity and development to Sabah and its people, adding that it was good working relations with the state that had brought about this success.
'This is not about (the upcoming state) election but about our responsibility and protecting our harmony.
'The state-federal relations must be maintained well,' said Anwar.
He said for the 13th Malaysia Plan, the inclusion of Sabah and other states into development plans and initiatives were part of the main agenda.
