KOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today denied that he had directed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to investigate or arrest individuals, as has been alleged by certain quarters.
He said he only told them to carry out their duties bravely regardless of the rank or position of the person implicated in a graft case.
"I am in this position not because I want to punish or fine everybody. I want to stress to these two agencies that it is their responsibility. My directive is clear and applies to leaders at all levels.
"I have been prime minister about seven months and have never ordered such action against anyone except those who are guilty," he said in a speech when delivering a special mandate to Kelantan civil servants at the Balai Islam complex here today.
Anwar reminded Kelantan civil servants to carry out their responsibilities well.
"In work, we should practice the 'Rahmah' concept in terms of love. We need to show our love to everybody and everything. We cannot commit cruel acts among humans."
He said leaders in the federal government should have good practices, avoid wastage and never amass wealth for themselves.
"If this can be fixed, many problems faced by the people can be resolved."
On Friday, Anwar said the government would not interfere with the authorities' investigation into opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
He said he had no knowledge of the IRB's raid at the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia secretary-general's residence.
Anwar had been asked to comment on the raid at Hamzah's residence in Damansara, Petaling Jaya, on Wednesday.