IPOH: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today acknowledged the existence of civil servants who are rooting for the fall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government over its war against corruption in the civil service.
“Some of (them) think that it is better to have a corrupt government (because it) is willing to give money freely, even though (they) know it is haram.
“Some of (them) think that the current government is not as good as the previous one, as… we are not giving a green light for money (procured through corrupt practices).
“As such, they believe that the current government should fall, and (that Malaysia should reinstall) the previous corrupt government which would bring more benefit to them,” Dr Mahathir said during a town hall meeting with Perak civil servants at the Royal Perak Golf Club at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah here, today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and state secretary Zainal Azman Abu Seman.
Dr Mahathir said leaders chosen by the people must be clean of corruption so that they could be examples to others.
“We have seen that the previous government’s leaders were involved in corrupt practices and… a number of civil servants followed (their examples). Maybe for them, by receiving bribes, the earned a lot.
“But when we cleaned the country (of graft)… they are no longer receiving (kickbacks they previously enjoyed),” he said, adding that for Malaysia to join the ranks of developed countries and to be an Asian Tiger again, corruption must be stamped out.
The Prime Minister said that without corruption, every agenda set by the government would be implemented and run smoothly, and the country would easily achieve its goals.
“We see people (accused of corruption) facing charges in court today. If we (had not waged war on corruption), our children would have faced the consequences,” he said.
On a separate note, Dr Mahathir stressed that the country’s wealth should be shared equally among the races and religious communities.
“If we could share it nicely and fairly, the country would remain peaceful and not face any pressures, rioting and terrorism.
“If we (do not attempt to ensure that) the country’s wealth is shared equally, there would be an uneasy feeling and soon, there would be chaos in the country,” he added.
Earlier, in his speech at the event, Ahmad Faizal said that there are civil servants who are still trapped by their old bosses’ sentiments, which are aligned with the previous government’s.
“(But) our relationship with civil servants (who were loyal to) the previous administration is still intact. This current administration will never sever relationships, as it would be against Islamic teachings and mature political principles.
“(As for civil servants), their pledge to the government must be upheld and they should not (hesitate to follow) instructions given or to carry out orders due to their (loyalty) to the previous administration,” he said.