PM Anwar says legal action against a few officers for corruption or project delays should not define the overall integrity of ministries or security agencies.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said legal action taken over weaknesses in project implementation should not create negative perceptions of entire ministries or the security forces.
He stressed such firm actions target only a small number of officers involved in issues like corruption and should not reflect on the overall integrity of their ministries or agencies.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, acknowledged that while past physical development project implementation was generally strong, several ministries missed their targets last year.
This assessment was shared by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
“Like corruption cases, they involve only a small minority,” Anwar told reporters after Friday prayers at Usamah Bin Zaid Mosque in Wangsa Maju.
“I want my colleagues in the security forces, the military and the police to know that, overall, they are credible, capable and have made great sacrifices.”
He said calls for improved performance do not equate to total failure but ensure action is taken against involved officers to expedite projects.
Anwar emphasised this is especially important for small projects that bring direct benefits to the people.
Yesterday, Shamsul Azri said 14 ministry secretaries-general would be summoned to explain why their ministries failed to meet physical project development targets last year.
He did not name the ministries but said their development project expenditure was 87.91%, below the national average.
Shamsul Azri noted people-centric projects like road, school, clinic and hospital construction continued but implementation had been slow.
