KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there were many cases of "extreme discrepancies" uncovered after examining files at the Finance Ministry.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, however said that it was not his role to investigate these extreme discrepancies.
"My job is to implement policies and uphold the principles of transparency and responsibility," he said in a social media posting today.
Anwar said he had touched on the subject when he attended a meeting with the Terengganu federal department heads at the Dewan Senat, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) here today.
Anwar said he wanted civil servants to understand that such discrepancies should no longer continue.
He said it was not his intention to call out anyone and that he only wished to work together in the interest of the people.
He said for example, flood mitigation projects are a pressing matter and would be approved without the need for tender to smoothen the process as it involved public interest and safety.
"I am instituting this culture of moderation from the top as I don't think it would be fair for me to call out district or state offices, yet such cultures remain in place at the federal level.
"I sincerely hope that we can respect the choices made by the people in the 15th General Election and see an end to extreme and damaging political sentiments," he said.
Anwar earlier reminded all federal department heads and senior officers that he was a prime minister for all states, and that all states are treated equally.
"Insya-Allah (God willing) I will be meeting with the Terengganu state government once the political temperature is better. I had also conveyed this to Tuanku Sultan Terengganu during my audience this morning.
"I also urge all civil servants to embrace the principles of democratic accountability for the sake of the people.
"As makers and movers of policies, we should not be complacent and must do all we can to effect change," he said.