Good service doesn't exempt public officers from the law, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Public officers who demonstrate good performance and contribute to the country deserve recognition but are not exempt from the rule of law, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said no one should be exempt from legal obligations, regardless of their service record or contributions, and that the rule of law must always be respected and upheld.

Responding to questions about the action taken against Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Anwar said the matter stemmed from a police report and must be investigated in accordance with established procedures.

"We must remember that an officer's distinguished service record or outstanding performance does not exempt them from complying with the law and regulations.

"If there are allegations or accusations that an individual has been assaulted or has engaged in misconduct, the matter must be dealt with through the appropriate legal process," he said.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar pointed out that even senior police officers, including former inspectors-general of police, had faced legal action and imprisonment for offences.

"Does that mean they have never rendered any service? Of course not. They have made their own contributions and rendered valuable service," he said.

Anwar stressed that two principles must be distinguished: public officers must perform their duties professionally and demonstrate good performance, while any alleged breach of the law must be addressed through the appropriate investigative and legal processes.