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New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Arrest corrupt leaders, regardless of party or status
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated the government's firm stance in combating corruption and abuse of power, assuring that no one will be protected, whether from the ruling coalition, the opposition or former leaders. He said the government under his leadership would not obstruct any investigation or arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as long as the person involved had indeed committed an offence. "Arrest them every day, for all I care. I won't stop it... now some say there'll be more arrests in Sabah. "Arrest anyone, be it from the Unity Government, the opposition, or even those who are retired. "As long as it's true they stole, arrest them," he said. The Tambun member of parliament said this during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Citing several cases involving former ministers linked to multi-billion ringgit financial scandals, Anwar said some are still trying to gain public sympathy by citing their age and status. "There are former ministers saying, 'Pity us, we're old'. "I do feel sorry, but if you stole the people's money, you must return it," he said. Anwar said that his Madani government will continue to uphold proper administrative governance and adhere to the principle of transparency without compromise. He said this includes putting an end to corrupt practices and the awarding of projects without open tender, which undermines administrative integrity and denies the people access to better services. "I want to recover what was stolen from the country, no matter who took it. That is our policy. "So I hope everyone cooperates so we can continue working properly," he said. Anwar stressed that he holds no personal grudge against individuals who wronged him in the past, but it is a different matter when it concerns the nation's assets. "You insulted me, imprisoned me, assaulted me… now I'm prime minister, and I've forgiven all of that.


New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Decision tomorrow on Anwar's constitutional questions to federal court
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court will deliver its decision tomorrow on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court concerning the legal provisions on the immunity of a sitting prime minister. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain set the date after hearing submissions on Anwar's application, which is related to a civil suit alleging sexual assault filed against him by Yusoff four years ago. During proceedings today, lawyer Alan Wong Teck Wei acted for Anwar, who is also Tambun member of parliament, while lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali appeared for Yusoff. Previously, Anwar's senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin had stressed that there was no attempt in the application to seek absolute immunity. He had said Anwar's application to the Federal Court is a lawful process to seek clarity from the court on his position in carrying out official duties when facing a civil suit based on claims that precede his appointment as prime minister.


New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Three MPs seek to join proceedings involving Anwar as observers
KUALA LUMPUR: Three members of parliament have applied to the High Court for permission to join proceedings involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's bid to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court. The questions include whether Anwar has immunity from a civil suit filed against him four years ago by his former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther. Anwar, who is the Tambun member of Parliament, filed to have the questions referred to the Federal Court and to postpone the main trial until the apex court delivers a decision. The High Court is scheduled to hear this application tomorrow before Judge Roz Mawar Rozain. The three applicants, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN-Kemaman, and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), submitted their request via e-filing yesterday to be allowed to attend the hearing as observing counsel. Their application, filed under Order 92(4) of the Rules of Court 2012, Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution, and Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, argues that they have a vested interest in the matter as members of parliament. According to legal firm Wan Jawahir & Takiyuddin, acting for the trio, the legal questions raised, particularly Articles 39, 40, 43, and 128(2) of the Federal Constitution, are of public importance and may influence parliamentary debates and public discourse. "Given the significance of these constitutional matters, we believe these MPs deserve access to the proceedings in an official capacity as observers to better inform their roles and responsibilities in Parliament," the firm said in its application. They also requested the court to allow Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, and Datuk Seri Zulkifli Noordin to attend as observing counsel representing the three parliamentarians throughout the proceedings. Yusoff's lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, confirmed receiving a copy of the application and said it may be presented to the court during tomorrow's session.


New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'I have no cai, I review based on merit,' says Anwar on PKR party elections
JOHOR BARU: It is better to evaluate candidates based on individual merit rather than relying on 'cai' (preferred candidate lists), said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The prime minister, who is also PKR president, said he took a longer time to review each candidate for the party's central leadership as he was not guided by any 'cai'. "I don't have a 'cai', which is why I took some time — I want to review each candidate. "Let's look for the best and vote. That is the proper way to do it," he said when met after casting his vote at the PKR party elections today. Anwar was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the PKR Advisory Council chairman. Also present were PKR Central Election Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. When asked which campaign he supported — 'Jelajah Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa' (Hiruk) or 'Dari Akar, Membina Aspirasi Inklusif' (Damai) — Anwar said he supported both. "Hiruk and Damai. If some have their own 'cai' here and others there, I don't. "I hope when making decisions, both are taken into account, and we go with the best," he said. Anwar is expected to officiate the opening of the PKR National Congress 2025 at the Persada International Convention Centre later today. Asked about the content of his speech and whether there would be any critical remarks, Anwar quipped: "Has there ever been a presidential speech without jabs? Of course, there will be some remarks." Commenting on PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's attendance, Anwar, who is also the Tambun member of Parliament, said Rafizi should have no qualms attending the congress in light of his position. He added that he expects Rafizi to attend, despite speculation that he may not. "I think he will come. He has not said anything, but I assume he will. He is the deputy president, so he should attend," he said, adding that Rafizi had no issues with his responsibilities and continued to attend Cabinet meetings regularly.