SEPANG: Don't compare the nation's fight against corruption with "banana republics" as there is still room for improvement, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that the nation must not rest on its past laurels in combating corruption or comparing its successes to lesser nations.
"There must be room for improvement, if not, we will inherit a tradition and culture of contentment and complacency.
"We need to accept the facts and must be prepared to affect change and reform to do better by making serious studies of the level in other countries.
"We don't compare with the past. For example, the level of anti-corruption drives have been immensely success but compared to what?
"Probably with a banana republic or do you compare it to the best," he said when officiating at the launch of the DHL Express RM300mil KL Gateway facility here on Monday (Oct 28).
As such, the Prime Minister said he also often stressed the need for government departments and agencies to improve on efficiency and delivery.
He cited the Customs Department as an example where the deparment had made significant strides forward, yet there is still room for improvement.
He said that a failure to improve would result the nation being left behind in terms of competitive edge in a fast changing world.
Anwar also said it was crucial for the nation to posses a comprehensive business ecosystem to attract foreign investors.
The opening of the DHL Gateway facility represents the company's largest investment since establishing a foothold in Malaysia in 1973.
In his welcoming speech, DHL Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo said the DHL KL Gateway is the first in Southeast Asia to adopt automated sorting and is able to handle 10,000 packages an hours, a fourfold increase compared to its previous facility here.
