KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today dismissed an allegation that a minister had received RM9.5 million from a businessman, describing it as a “political statement” that was “not backed by any evidence”, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said all allegations of corruption should be investigated without exception.

“The minister concerned has challenged it and taken the matter to court,” he was quoted as saying.

Anwar also said corruption was not confined to any particular political party.

“If there are cases involving members of PKR, I will not use my powers to stop them, including in the case of my former political secretary,” he said, referring to Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who is facing trial for corruption.

Anwar was responding to Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid of Perikatan Nasional (PN), who asked about investigations into the alleged “corporate mafia” activities involving businessman Victor Chin, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak and former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki.

Rosol also referred to an allegation made in a podcast that a minister had received RM9.5 million to act as an intermediary in resolving a matter related to the “corporate mafia”.