IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his acceptance of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's apology regarding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal was done in good faith.
"I am the prime minister, I am the father of the nation. When someone says something like this (apology), what should I do? I accept it in good faith.
"If it is a court matter, then leave it to the court. If it concerns the Pardons Board, then it is under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. But as someone who bears responsibility, I must respond appropriately.
"When people make statements, we welcome those with good intentions. That is an example of good leadership," he said in his speech at the Perak PKR Convention at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel here today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming, PKR vice-chairman Chang Lih Kang, and Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
On Thursday, Najib issued an apology for the events that transpired during the 1MDB financial scandal. Despite his apology, the former prime minister maintained his innocence, claiming he was deceived by fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho and his associates.
Anwar's acceptance of Najib's apology over the 1MDB scandal has drawn criticism from some quarters, with detractors saying that he had no authority to accept the apology.
Anwar, in response, described those who criticised him for accepting Najib's apology as 'bebal' (slow-witted).
"This is all nonsense — (these are) people who don't know where they stand and looking for reasons to be angry. There are leaders who embezzle billions of ringgit, but when they want to attack, they target only one person.
"I understand my position on 1MDB, but it's unfair to single out just one individual. Sometimes, those who attack have assets that were embezzled even more than that," he said.
Anwar said there were some who accused him of being selective when instructing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe graft cases as a whole.
"They said I was being selective. No, what I said was 'save this country.'
"So, I direct the Customs, the Inland Revenue Board, the police, the MACC, and all enforcement agencies. The prime minister's instruction is comprehensive.
"This is my leadership. I have said within the cabinet that the decision is unanimous to take firm action against anyone who embezzles national funds," he said.