‘Prime minister must use official team, vehicles for security’
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed accusations that he misused government vehicles and security personnel during a recent visit to Sabah, adding that the assets were compulsory national security provisions and had nothing to do with electioneering.
Responding to Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari during the Prime Minister’s Question Time, Anwar said a sitting prime minister is bound by protocol to travel with official security team and use government assets regardless of the nature of the event.
“If so, what vehicle should I use? Government vehicles are allowed. A prime minister must use the official security team and official vehicles for any programme because of security considerations.”
He said none of his activities in Sabah were government-organised, reiterating his long-standing rule against using official platforms for partisan events.
“My campaign programmes are all under the party. There were no government programmes. I prohibit them,” he said, citing the recent “Temu Anwar” session with university students, which he moved off campus to avoid any perception of government involvement.
“I cancelled it and moved it because I did not want the university officially involved in organising a programme linked to me.”
On the widely circulated Sabah corruption video, Anwar said he personally reviewed the footage and agreed it warranted investigation.
However, he said prosecution decisions rest solely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“So far, three individuals have been charged. They were prosecuted because MACC determined there was compelling evidence against them.
“The other cases have not been closed and are still under investigation,” he said, dismissing claims of selective action.
“Two of those charged are from parties within the Unity government, so it is not true that we are shielding anyone.”
He added that legal action cannot be dictated purely on the basis of a video.
“I do not want to issue orders to prosecute someone merely based on a video. We must allow the process to proceed and act only where there is strong evidence.”
Addressing the matter of his political secretary issuing a support letter for a hospital project listing six contractors for the Health Ministry, Anwar said he had issued a stern reprimand.
“He issued the letter and I have given him a firm warning because our rules do not allow it.”
He added that when letters are addressed to the prime minister, the appropriate response is to request a review.
“Anywhere I go, Sabah or elsewhere, I receive dozens of letters, some regarding contracts and we respond with ‘please review’.
“But no support letter can be issued. I agree with Pasir Mas on that.”
