In an interview with RTM’s ‘Naratif Khas’, he said that his push against corruption was not out of revenge against political enemies, but arose from disgust at having billions of taxpayers’ money parked offshore.

“What’s the use of being a politician and allowing billions to be stolen, to be kept in London, Vancouver, New York and Australia, and (see them) live shameless lives? Those who are trying to attack and destroy (the government), ‘Langkah London’ and whatnot, it is they we are after.

“If they are not corrupt, not tyrannical and did not blackmail people, they do not need to worry. I don’t want to be a tyrant, I know what it is like (to be subject to tyranny), I have been through that process,” he said during the interview.

Anwar also said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is free to investigate and prosecute without fear or favour, and that he has never been personally involved in any cover up of prosecution of any personalities.

While he said he would not meddle with matters of the judiciary, including the selection of judges, he felt that the appointment of “one or two (judges) ought to be reviewed”. However, he would leave it to the discretion of the chief judge.

Anwar dismissed claims by the opposition that he was dictatorial. He said those who labelled him as a dictator were not knowledgeable and pointed out that he enjoyed the confidence of his peers in Parliament with a two-thirds majority.

Anwar said he was also working on ways to cut down bureaucracy by allowing fast tracking of projects, similar to the system in Tamil Nadu, India, where projects are approved in 15 days.

He said the government was also aware of the shortage of foreign workers and was working hard to allow more to be brought in, while at the same time raising the skills of Malaysians to suit better jobs.