Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarifies no government assets were used in Sabah election campaign, citing security needs for official vehicle use.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that no government assets were used in any programme during the 17th Sabah State Election campaign.
In fact, he said the use of official facilities, such as government vehicles, was solely for security reasons.
“There were no government programmes in Sabah. All my campaign events were under the party’s banner, and this has been explained in Parliament.
“So, what vehicle should I use? A prime minister must use security personnel and official vehicles in any programme due to security considerations,” Anwar said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
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He said this in reply to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who questioned Anwar’s use of government assets while campaigning in Sabah recently.
Anwar also stressed that he had explicitly prohibited government agencies from being involved in any party campaign activities.
On a separate matter, Anwar said the investigation into a viral video allegedly showing corruption involving several Sabah assemblymen remains open and that he had also viewed the footage and believed there was a basis for the case to be probed.
“The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating, and MACC has referred it to the Attorney General’s Chambers. This is a criminal case, and there is no time limitation.
“So far, three individuals have been charged. Why only three? Because the case against them was compelling, with strong reasons and evidence. Not everyone has been cleared. The case has never been closed,” he said in reply to another question from Ahmad Fadhli.
Anwar emphasised that he would not interfere in the investigation or instruct prosecutors to act solely based on the viral video. – Bernama
