Anwar says govt's vehicles-fleet deal 'hurting'
Published on: Monday, February 05, 2024
By:
FMT, Jason Thomas
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the current government has the political will to act against corruption. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government’s agreement with Spanco Sdn Bhd is “hurting” the country.
The company, which handles the procurement and management of the government’s fleet of vehicles, is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)
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Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly, Anwar said his “firm stance” on the company dated back to his time as finance minister in the 1990s but he was unable to do anything then as there was no political will to act.
“Now there is. So, investigate. I don’t know where the mistake is. But I know it’s not right,” he said.
“I know it hurts the country and I know it does not please civil servants.”
Last month, MACC chief Azam Baki said the agency intended to summon several people, including a former finance minister, a businessman and key government officials as part of an investigation into a RM4.5 billion contract for procuring and managing the government’s fleet of vehicles.
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Azam, who confirmed that the MACC had raided the businessman’s residence and four companies, said a “long list” of people would be called up to explain two issues, The Star reported.
He said the anti-graft agency wanted to find out why the company was given the job to manage the government’s vehicles. He said MACC was also looking into how the company got the contract despite another company receiving a letter of intent (LOI) from the finance ministry.
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In his address at the monthly assembly, Anwar acknowledged that he had been attacked by certain parties for instructing enforcement agencies to take strong action against misconduct and corruption.
Stating that he has given clear instructions to MACC, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the police to be impartial in their investigations, he assured them that they have the authority to probe anyone — regardless of their rank and position.
“There is absolutely no compromise in the current administration. Don’t ask me about the form of action to be taken; I only give general instructions to all departments and enforcement agencies to be firm.
“If any ministerial colleagues are involved in corruption, we will not defend or protect them,” he said.
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