PUTRAJAYA, Jan 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the government can no longer tolerate weaknesses in enforcement and governance that are not seriously addressed.
He said this is because the country must be saved from damaging activities that affect integrity and the economy.
“I have reached the point of losing patience and feel that there are still weaknesses and areas that must be improved. We want to save this country. This country has very good potential. The people generally hope and thirst for reform and protection,” he said in his address to the department heads of enforcement agencies that deal with financial crime, organised by the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), here today.
According to Anwar, Malaysia has good economic strength and human resources, but the failure to overcome encroachment, smuggling and various illegal activities is preventing the country from achieving its true potential.
“After being in charge for three years, I feel there are gaps that must be improved. Weaknesses cannot be left unattended, whether in terms of intrusion, smuggling, or tolerating illegal activities that still occur, and sometimes with the space and permission of enforcement agencies,” he said.
He said the government no longer wants to be lulled by reports of success alone, and instead wants firm action on integrity and enforcement issues.
“Let’s not take an indifferent, forgiving attitude and feel that this can go on ... It’s time to act,” he said.
Anwar also expressed disappointment in enforcement weaknesses despite many officers having contributed excellent, meritorious service to the country.
“Why am I disappointed? Because I know that if we were to list the number of good deeds and greatness, there are many of us who have contributed enough in this service, (which) cannot be denied.
“But the reality also forces us to reflect, to think seriously, do we want to carry out activities as usual, carelessly? Is smuggling okay? Corruption okay? Are illegal activities acceptable? With various smuggling activities… we can no longer continue,” Anwar said.
