During the Kaamatan Harvest Festival in Penampang, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed mounting concerns surrounding alleged corruption in Sabah, firmly asserting that the rule of law—not political pressure or public perception—must guide the government’s actions.
Acknowledging that raising such a heavy topic during a cultural celebration might be controversial, Anwar emphasized the urgency of addressing public concerns tied to the recent circulation of video clips purportedly showing Sabah assemblymen involved in corrupt dealings over mining contracts. He offered a public apology for discussing the matter during the event but justified his remarks as necessary in light of the public’s growing frustration.
Rather than rushing to judgment, Anwar insisted that each phase of justice—from investigation to prosecution and judgment—must remain independent and fact-based. While he acknowledged having viewed the viral video, he warned against drawing conclusions based on potentially edited or artificial content. In a moment of levity, he referred to how modern AI technology could fabricate convincing but false scenes, underscoring the dangers of misinformation in today’s digital age.
He reiterated that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had taken steps to investigate the videos, with a more complete version reportedly submitted recently for forensic verification. Any further action, he noted, would follow authentication and due process.
While expressing his strong commitment to combatting corruption, Anwar pushed back against demands that he personally intervene in legal matters. He reminded the public that Malaysia had previously endured a system where power was centralized, warning that a return to such governance would be regressive.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of genuine whistleblower protections but criticized the misuse of such protections by individuals seeking immunity after committing larger offenses themselves.
Beyond the issue of graft, Anwar touched on broader national concerns, including the longstanding water supply problem at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). He acknowledged the stress faced by students and pledged additional funding if necessary, reaffirming the government’s commitment to resolving the matter promptly.
He also pointed to recent legal victories against foreign claims on Sabah’s sovereignty as proof of Malaysia’s determination to defend its national interests, regardless of international pressure.
Closing his speech, Anwar underlined that Malaysia must be governed by integrity, unity, and accountability—not by slander, assumption, or the court of public opinion.
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