Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today defended the legal process in ongoing graft investigations involving Sabah leaders, saying the government must act based on facts and evidence — not perception or political pressure.

“This Prime Minister is not a dictator,” he said. “I follow the law. I have to go through the process.”

Anwar made the remarks during the launch of the two-day Kaamatan harvest festival finale at Hongkod Koisaan, where he acknowledged that his decision to raise the issue during a cultural celebration might seem out of place — but said it was necessary.

“I ask permission, ya. This may not be the place. But this is important. I want to speak frankly,” he told the crowd and apologised. 

His comments come from growing public frustration and calls for action following the circulation of viral video clips, allegedly showing Sabah assemblymen linked to a corruption scandal involving mining contracts. 

The videos, released via Malaysiakini, prompted widespread speculation — and renewed scrutiny of the government’s anti-corruption record.

“I saw the video. It looked real. But you cannot prosecute someone based on a chopped-up video,” he said. 

He explained that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had investigated the matter, but such clips — especially when heavily edited or AI-generated — cannot be used in court.

“In this AI era, I could even show a video of Tan Sri Pairin punching Puan Sri,” he joked, referencing respected Sabah elder statesman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Anwar maintained that the rule of law must be respected — even when pressure mounts for swift action.

“Some people say, ‘You already saw the money, why haven’t you charged them?’” 

“Investigations are the job of MACC or the police. Prosecution is the job of the Attorney-General. Judgement is the job of the courts.

“The Prime Minister’s role is to ensure the system functions,” he said as he cautioned against public demands for him to take matters into his own hands.

“The Prime Minister must not be the investigator, the prosecutor, and the judge. That is called a dictator.

“That’s what we experienced before. I know that system. Don’t ask me to repeat it,” he added.  

While reaffirming his anti-corruption commitment, Anwar warned that the fight cannot be won through assumptions or slander.

“Corruption cannot be resolved through perception. It cannot be resolved through slander. It won’t be resolved by insults. 

“This country is a nation of law. Not a nation of perception. Not a nation of accusations and slander. Corruption is not dealt with through perception. Not through slander. It cannot be solved through insults. 

“It must go through values, our principles and firm action through legal means,” he said. 

He said a more complete version of the video had recently been submitted to MACC and referred to forensic experts for authentication. If verified, investigations would proceed.

He also addressed whistleblower protections — noting that they exist for those who act in good faith, not for those who are themselves implicated.

“For instance, someone steals RM2 billion, then goes to the police and says, ‘I’ll help you catch someone who took RM100 — but I want protection.’ Is that fair?”

Despite the serious tone, Anwar praised the spirit of harmony in Sabah and said the values celebrated during Kaamatan — unity, respect, and community — were key to national progress.

“This is my priority. Not to please everyone, but to do what’s right,” he said. 

Anwar noted the government must not respond to slander or public perception with emotion, but with proof of delivery and institutional integrity.

“We must counter perception with facts – not fuel division. Let them criticise. But show what we have achieved. Let the facts speak,” he said. 

Anwar also reaffirmed federal support for rural development in Sabah, including solar-powered lighting for remote villages. 

Anwar also acknowledged the ongoing water supply problems at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and said he understood the anxiety felt by students. 

He assured that the government would provide more funding if necessary to resolve the issue.

“When I arrived two years ago, we gave RM3 million immediately. It was resolved for a while, then the pipes burst again. Now the students — our children — feel anxious.”

“I told the Chief Minister, if more allocation is needed to fix the water at UMS, I’ll approve it. These are our children. We have to listen, and try to solve it as best as we can,” he said. 

He also recalled Malaysia’s recent victories in international legal battles against the self-proclaimed heirs of the Sulu sultanate, who had attempted to stake a claim on Sabah’s sovereignty through European courts.

“We fought in Madrid, Paris, and others — and we won. It wasn’t about the money. It was about Sabah’s dignity. We will defend Malaysia’s sovereignty at all costs,” he said.  – May 30, 2025