KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities, including the police, have been instructed to take firm action against criminals and the corrupt regardless of their status, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Our role as the government, in particular, involves actively combating corruption to safeguard the nation. I do not want to be a prime minister who protects criminals or the corrupts and our priority is the people," he said.
"In this context, I have directed the police, just (like) the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to deal with corruption and to firmly act against any criminals and groups, whether they are athletes or politicians.
"This is a firm commitment because the country will not be safe if we do not focus and act decisively against any wrongdoing or corruption," he said in his speech at the 2023 National Sports Awards held in National Sports Council, today.
Present were Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim.
The prime minister, at the same time, also assured that investigations into incidents involving any community, including athletes will be conducted transparently as the country will not be safe if firm actions were not being taken.
Anwar also said he was aware of the public's concerns about recent incidents involving athletes and that investigations need to be professionally and fairly conducted.
He, however, did not specify which particular incident he was referring to.
"There are anxiety and complaints about delays, (but) we want the actions to be taken professionally and fairly, (and) not to protect anyone.
"I am assuring you this as there is indeed anxiety among us, including myself.
"However, actions must be carried out professionally and not punish before the facts are established."