Anwar slams Bersih for calling MACC a political tool

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has panned the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) for claiming that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is the government’s political weapon.

Sinar Harian reported Anwar describing the claims as unfair because they were made even before an official report was completed.

Anwar said all quarters should wait for official reports before making any accusations.

“That is Bersih’s view but it is not fair for them to make such statements. If you want to accuse, look at the reports first before giving a response.

“The report has not been received yet, accusations are already flying,” he was quoted as saying on Friday (March 6).

Anwar was responding to Bersih who criticised the MACC’s direction which it alleged was steering from its original mandate to fight corruption, while also labelling MACC as the government’s political weapon.

Bersih issued the statement after the MACC said it is tracking down a former minister’s aide, known as James Chai, for an ongoing investigation.

Anwar stressed that any criticism, even towards MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, is accepted but must be done consistently.

“I am not defending anyone. Everyone wants things to be clean but when billions were stolen previously, why did no one speak up?

“The same goes for criticism, including of Azam Baki. It must be consistent,” he said.

Regarding the investigation carried out by a special task force into Azam’s shareholding, Anwar said it is expected later Friday.

“I am waiting for it too. They said it was today but I have yet to receive it,” he said.