PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that he will defend civil servants who perform their duties well and fend off pressure from corrupt circles.
Speaking at a gathering of Finance Ministry staff today, Anwar said that he had instructed Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali to support civil servants who carry out their responsibilities diligently.
"I will stand up for every single civil servant, I will defend them as long as they fulfil their duties effectively.
"I will not yield to pressure from these groups, so I hope you understand that," he said.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, highlighted numerous instances where civil servants faced repercussions despite executing their duties diligently due to pressure from higher-ranking officials.
Anwar also insisted that he will continue to do his best for the country despite being criticised from various aspects and wants to prove that not all politicians are looters, arrogant and abuse the people.
"Just as the people say about targeted subsidies (diesel), I have also been criticised a lot (also) about the civil servant salary scheme.
"But I don't care if they want to to admonish me, I have a mandate and I will do it. When the time comes I have to go, I'll go. But while I am here, I am going to stay and fight for what is right to make sure Malaysia emerges as a great nation in Asia," he said.
In another development, Anwar explained that as a country with a low inflation rate in ASEAN, it does not guarantee that there will be no increase in the price of goods even though he does not want that to happen.
"The lowest inflation in ASEAN means that small increases are still happening," he said, adding that he goes to the ground every week to immerse himself in the lives of the people.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that some of the government's major decisions at the moment are to save the country and improve certain aspects including public transport, education, digital and artificial intelligence. -- BERNAMA