Do You Want Me To Become A Dictator Pm Asks Dnaa Critics

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticised those who seem to ask him to interfere in decisions made by the judiciary, particularly when individuals get a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).
“When someone gets a DNAA, one group lashes out at the prime minister. When another gets DNAA the following week, the prime minister gets criticised again.
“But the same group talks about judicial independence. What do you want? Do you want me to become a dictator by ordering the judge to make a ruling based on your opinions?
“I admit I don’t agree with some of the decisions (court judgments), but that is judicial independence. The executive branch has its powers, but it’s limited based on the separation of power doctrine,” he was reported as saying by Astro Awani today.
Anwar said this at the closing ceremony of the Asean Symposium 2025, themed “Anchoring Asean’s Future in Shared Wisdom: Empowering Communities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Civilisation”.
It should be noted that under Article 145 of the Federal Constitution, the attorney-general (AG) has the power to institute, conduct, or discontinue criminal proceedings.
In the event the AG decides to discontinue a case, even if it is already under trial, the court would have no choice but to discontinue the proceedings.
At present, the Attorney-General’s Chambers is parked under the Prime Minister’s Department.
On June 20, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted a DNAA to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak over three money laundering charges involving RM27 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Judge K Muniandy made the ruling as the case against Najib has been pending since 2019 without a single witness being called.
He said the case has been marked by persistent postponements, indicating that the prosecution is not prepared to proceed.
Former prime minister Najib Abdul RazakA day later, the AGC said it had “no choice” but to await the conclusion of Najib’s 1MDB and first SRC International trials, before it could use the overlapping documents required for the second SRC International case.
ADSIn September 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamdi was also granted a DNAA in the corruption case involving millions of ringgit from Yayasan Akalbudi, despite the trial already being at the defence stage after the prosecution requested more time to complete its investigations.
‘Educated elites’
Meanwhile, Anwar also took pot shots at “certain educated elites” who want speedy reforms but do not have a stand when it comes to combating graft.
“I see inconsistencies when it comes to anti-corruption measures. They are only focused on one leader, but not the previous ones who misappropriated billions of ringgit.
“These hypocrites only target a former prime minister, for example, but ignore others who have swindled billions of ringgit.
“And when the MACC launches investigations, they keep silent. What is happening with our system?” Anwar asked. - Mkini

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