IN a statement delivered with marked candour, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take immediate and credible action over recent allegations implicating Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador, citing the potential erosion of the government’s anti-corruption standing.
Responding to Anwar’s remarks during the Ministry of Finance’s monthly assembly on 24 July—where the Prime Minister expressed puzzlement over lukewarm public reception to his anti-graft initiatives—Rafizi remarked,
“I do not doubt his sincerity in fighting corruption.” He highlighted Anwar’s historical support for efforts to expose high-level scandals, including those led by Rafizi himself since 2010.
“One of the reasons behind PKR and PH’s victories in GE14 and GE15 was the public’s demand that corruption be eradicated forcefully,” Rafizi said, adding that Anwar’s bewilderment at the current scepticism was not entirely unfounded. Nonetheless, he underscored the fragile state of public confidence.
“The public’s perception of the government’s anti-corruption drive could still be improved,” he noted. While acknowledging that opposition parties would naturally resist government narratives, he urged introspection as to why significant portions of the public remain unconvinced.
He pointed to Malaysia’s flatlining performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with the country earning 50 points and ranking 57th globally in both 2023 and 2024—comparable to its 2015 standing during the peak of the 1MDB scandal.
“This is happening despite Anwar’s administration continuously introducing process improvements and repeatedly asserting a zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” Rafizi stated.
“If the Prime Minister is genuinely puzzled by the lack of enthusiasm from the public, it means something else might be undermining those efforts in the eyes of the people.”
He argued that public perception is shaped by both the depth of administrative reform and the consistency with which anti-corruption principles are upheld.
“It is extremely dangerous if the administration is seen as inconsistent or selective in combating corruption, especially if major cases involve key figures in the Unity Government or individuals close to the Prime Minister,” he warned.
Rafizi cited fresh allegations involving a 70,000-hectare mineral exploration licence in Sabah allegedly linked to Farhash as the catalyst for his statement.
“This is not the first time Farhash has been implicated in controversial business dealings,” Rafizi said. “Since Anwar became Prime Minister, Farhash has rapidly risen as an active businessman, with links to various companies, some of which have reportedly received significant government procurement contracts.”
While the total value of such contracts remains undisclosed, Rafizi noted that Farhash’s prominence has sparked widespread discussion both among the public and within corporate and government circles.
Anwar has previously denied any connection, stating that Farhash’s commercial ventures are unrelated to him, given that he no longer serves as his political secretary.
“I chose to give him the benefit of the doubt at the time, although I was aware of Farhash’s real influence within PKR and parts of the government,” said Rafizi.
The latest accusations, reportedly backed by documents and audio recordings, will not, Rafizi contended, simply dissipate.
“This will not be the last controversy involving Farhash,” he warned. “New allegations continue to emerge and will remain a subject of public discourse.”
Rafizi called on the Prime Minister to act decisively.
“Controversy after controversy linked to Farhash must be addressed immediately. Flat denials will no longer suffice.”
He continued, “The information already revealed is sufficient for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to open an investigation, just as it has done with other individuals accused of sudden wealth.”
“Only with such consistency will more Malaysians trust the government’s anti-corruption efforts,” Rafizi concluded. “If not, these efforts will fail to deliver meaningful results, as reflected in Malaysia’s CPI performance—and I fear Farhash’s baggage will drag PKR and PH down in the next general election.” - July 26, 2025
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