Anwar praises Zahid for serving by 'Madani' principles

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today praised his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, describing him as a leader who undertook his work according to the policies and principles of the Malaysia Madani government despite facing a string of criminal charges in court. 

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said there had been an instance in which Zahid was given several documents which requested immediate action without a tender. 

He said Zahid had made a note on the documents that he "obeyed the instructions of the prime minister and the Cabinet". 

"'Everyone must follow the tender process'," he said that Zahid had added. 

"This is the first time I am mentioning this, I did not inform him ahead of time," Anwar said. 

"I guarantee you, I have no intention of interfering in the process. 

"I can only guarantee that it will not affect the principles and policies, including the Madani concept," he said in response to Ahmad Fadhil Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who asked whether the Madani government concept could be implemented when there were individuals with court cases in the Cabinet. 
 
Anwar also reiterated that no action can be taken based on charges alone before a verdict is made. 

Since taking the top office, he said, he had continued informing the chief justice and attorney-general that Malaysia must stand firm on the principles of law. 

"If I see issues involving corruption and embezzlement, I don't want to apologise. It's nothing personal, I know that I am criticised by some parties," he added. 

"My instructions including this morning were to take impartial action, regardless of whether the individuals involved are from my own party. I do not guarantee that my party is clean."