Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has justified his choice to issue a reprimand rather than dismiss his political secretary for providing a contractor support letter. He stated that the aide's action did not lead to any project approval, making the termination unwarranted. His remarks answered criticism from former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who had called for the aide's dismissal to affirm the government's anti-corruption stance.
The Prime Minister clarified that the letter did not constitute an official instruction. He reiterated that all projects must follow established procedures, adding that the formal admonishment should act as a warning to all government officials.
The Prime Minister clarified that the letter did not constitute an official instruction. He reiterated that all projects must follow established procedures, adding that the formal admonishment should act as a warning to all government officials.