KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given enforcement agency leaders one week to demonstrate serious commitment in tackling financial crimes, smuggling, and illegal activities, or resign from their positions if they are unable to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Anwar expressed disappointment over persistent weaknesses in enforcement and governance, despite the government recording several achievements in economic management during his administration.
He stressed that existing progress should not overshadow critical gaps in enforcement, particularly involving border breaches, open smuggling, and the continued presence of illegal activities in certain areas.
“While we can be grateful for the progress made, we must honestly acknowledge that there are still major shortcomings that must be addressed, especially in enforcement,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with heads of departments and enforcement agencies related to financial crimes in Putrajaya on Tuesday.
Anwar emphasised that any form of tolerance or indirect approval of illegal activities is a serious matter that undermines institutional integrity and public trust.
He added that these issues should not be viewed as individual failures alone, but rather as challenges requiring coordinated action among all relevant agencies.
“Effective enforcement cannot be carried out in isolation. All agencies must operate as one integrated team with shared responsibility,” he said.
In this regard, Anwar urged senior officers who feel unable to meet the demands of their roles to make a decision within a week—either to implement meaningful reforms or to step aside and allow more capable individuals to take over.
“This move is not intended as punishment, but to ensure that integrity, effectiveness, and confidence in the nation’s enforcement system are upheld,” he said.
He also called on enforcement leaders to use the one-week period as an opportunity for self-assessment, reaffirming that the country requires leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and justice. ( Rahul Rezky )
