KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 7 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for compassion and integrity in governance, warning that political rivalries, ideological differences, and ethnic or regional tensions should not erode fundamental human values.

Speaking at the Works Ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar said that efforts to combat corruption are not only about punishing offenders.

"In the fight against corruption, these values are also put to the test. We take action against those who are corrupt, but when it affects our own colleagues, we become upset.

"Worryingly, there is also a growing trend of glorifying corrupt individuals, which is very troubling," he said.

He stressed that projects, such as building bridges or schools, mu...