PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has again stressed that he will not interfere with court cases involving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Anwar said he had made it very clear on the issue of anti-corruption and good governance in the unity government under his leadership.
"If some leaders I know talk about kleptocracy, let me explain that kleptocracy means a system that allows leaders to steal. It should not be confined to any particular person in the system.
"It's interesting that those who have been using this kleptocracy situation are those who are very much compromised in many of these big dealings, benefiting the sons and children or in-laws," said Anwar after chairing today's special cabinet meeting.
He also said those questioning the Barisan Nasional chairman's appointment should be prepared to be truly transparent.
Anwar had on Friday announced the much-anticipated cabinet line-up, consisting of 25 ministers and two deputy prime ministers.
They include Zahid and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as the deputy prime ministers for the country's first unity government.
However, Zahid's appointment came under fire as the latter had been linked to various corruption cases.
The prime minister said netizens had the right to voice their criticism regarding Zahid's appointment.
"He (Zahid) has been charged (in court) but has not been convicted yet. This is a process which we have to respect.
"In this unity government, I have to factor in everything (including Zahid as the Umno president and BN chairman in the cabinet).
"So far as we are concerned, I trust and am confident that my cabinet team is determined to ensure that we follow the strict rules as well as good governance," he added.
Last month, Anwar said the judiciary should remain independent and said the unity government under his leadership would not interfere with the judiciary process.