Anwar: Numerous discrepancies discovered in Finance Ministry
Anwar attending the Terengganu State Federal Department Heads Joint Meeting at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Senate Hall, on Thursday.
While not revealing the type or extent of irregularities in detail, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he would be leaving investigations to the related authorities.
“However, the duty of investigating is not mine. My duty is to set policies and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
He said this on the sidelines of the Terengganu State and Federal Government department heads joint meeting at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Senate Hall, on Thursday.
Anwar said he decided to raise the matter because he wanted the civil servants to understand that transparency must be consistent.
“As an example, flood barrier projects were a pressing matter and it was approved without tender to ease and speed up the project as it involved the safety of the people,” he said.
Anwar added that the culture of moderation he was trying to introduce beginning with the top level of government meant it would be unfair for him to attack district or state government offices before his own.
“At the federal level, the corrupt culture remains. I am present in Terengganu not to insult anyone, but to collude for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Anwar reminded all senior officers and Federal government department heads that he is the prime minister for all states.
He said the treatment towards all states was consistent and impartial.
“I will meet with the Terengganu government after the political turmoil calms down. I said the same thing to His Majesty the Sultan of Terengganu in a meeting this morning,” he said.
He urged civil servants to understand the principles of democratic accountability in establishing good policies for the people.
“We as policy makers and implementers must not be complacent and must make the efforts for changes to be possible,” he said.
Anwar hoped for all to respect the choice made by the people in the 15th General Election (GE15) and stop political sentiments that were excessive and damaging.
