Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed calls to sack his political secretary, who is facing criticism over a letter of support issued to contractors bidding for a hospital project.
Speaking to reporters on board a Malaysia Airlines chartered flight to South Africa, Anwar acknowledged the mistake but emphasized that the matter did not warrant dismissal. “I certainly don’t agree with what he did, but we have to ask if the project was indeed awarded based on his letter… the answer is no,” he said.
The prime minister confirmed that his political secretary had been reprimanded, stating that government regulations prohibit the issuance of such support letters. “We did reprimand him… We cannot insist on taking stern action against someone just because we don’t agree with the person. We have to be consistent,” he added.
The controversy arose after former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli called for the political secretary’s termination, arguing that only by sacking him would Anwar demonstrate a firm commitment to fighting graft. Rafizi also urged that the matter be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for further scrutiny.
Responding to these calls, Anwar urged critics to maintain consistency in their fight against corruption. “You close an eye to cases where billions are stolen by VIPs, but take up all these petty issues. Granted, they should not be condoned, but still, it should not be at the level of the billions stolen,” he said.
Anwar also noted that while he has used strong words to reprimand his staff, such warnings are meant as lessons to deter similar conduct in the future.
The prime minister was en route to South Africa following an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali. He will remain in South Africa for the G20 Leaders Summit before continuing his three-nation African tour with a stop in Nairobi, Kenya.
