PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made veiled digs at Sabah’s political elites, mocking sudden wealth and stolen resources as he pressed home his anti-corruption message during a village hall speech in Inanam.
Anwar contrasted his own ordeals with those who had grown rich in office.
“I was arrested, I was beaten, I was tortured in prison. I forgive. I was shamed, stripped of dignity. I forgive. But if you steal the people’s money, if you take billions belonging to the people — I cannot forgive,” he said
He was speaking before about 200 people at Dewan Pisompuruan in Kampung Kobuni, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the audience.
Anwar pointed to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) quick response to new revelations in Sabah, his phrasing leaving little doubt about the target.
“There is fresh news. Immediately the MACC responded — yes, we will investigate. That is our way,” he said, drawing chuckles from the crowd.
The quip came just days after Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was summoned by MACC over allegations of a RM1.78 million payment linked to a disputed mining licence.
Anwar also laced his speech with sarcasm over how easily some politicians’ fortunes seemed to grow.
“How much have we already recovered? Billions of ringgit. Money stolen from the people.
“You become a minister, just a few years in office, and suddenly you have savings of one billion, two billion. Our task is to find a way to take that back,” he said.
He also turned his fire on leaders who promised to defend Sabah while enriching their own circles.
“Timber, land, balak, tanah, everything was stolen. The wealth of Sabah was looted and shared among a few. This is why people remain poor, while those in power live in luxury.”
The Prime Minister insisted his administration would not cross the line into authoritarianism.
“I am not the investigator, I am not the judge. If the Prime Minister becomes the investigator, the punisher, the prison guard, that is not a Prime Minister, that is a dictator. We must follow the rules.”
Recasting “Sabah for Sabahans”
Addressing the familiar rallying cry of “Sabah for Sabahans”, Anwar said the slogan meant little without integrity.
“Not to choose leaders who only talk about protecting Sabah, but to truly protect Sabah,” he said, adding that although “a son of Penang,” he was committed to ensuring fair allocations for the state.
Beyond race and religion
Anwar closed with a warning to Sabah leaders who reach for identity politics when cornered.
“Don’t play with the fire of race, don’t play with the fire of religion. If we follow that path, this country will be destroyed.”
“I go to churches, temples, and mosques — not for politics, but out of respect. We must unite as Malaysians, not be divided by religion or race.” - September 26, 2025
