[UPDATED] Govt to ensure return of billions lost to leakages: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – The government will ensure the recovery of billions of ringgit that were “unloaded” by the nation’s former leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the Munajat Ambang Tahun Baru 2023 New Year’s programme at the Masjid Putra mosque in Putrajaya this evening, Anwar suggested such acts were unforgivable and that he was in no position to pardon those who have committed the transgressions.

“I want to advise my ‘friends’ who always talk about ‘bersih’ (being clean) and attacking leaders in the unity government, not to mention those who have been finance ministers, prime ministers… who when they were in power, ‘unloaded’ not only hundreds millions of ringgit, but billions of ringgit (from the national coffers). 

“This government will ensure that at least some of these funds that were taken are returned to the people,” Anwar said, without mentioning any particular former leader. 

He said that he could not look past the matter as the wealth accumulated by these leaders belonged to the rakyat.

The Tambun MP had earlier said there have been continuous attacks by past leaders against the current cabinet members on several issues, including corruption. 

He said that Malaysian enforcement agencies are empowered to ensure that no entity is above the law.

Among the government’s critics is former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who repeatedly questioned the appointment of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as one of the two deputy prime ministers in Anwar’s cabinet. 

Yesterday, the 97-year-old Dr Mahathir questioned whether the deputy prime minister post was a more senior role than that of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. 

The former prime minister was referring to Article 33A of the federal constitution, in which the king shall cease to exercise the functions of the Agong if charged with an offence. 

He also questioned why the same law did not apply to a lesser functionary position such as the deputy prime minister’s post. 

Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, was appointed deputy prime minister following the result of an inconclusive 15th general election, which saw the formation of a unity government led by Anwar. 

However, several parties had questioned Zahid’s appointment as the Bagan Datuk MP is still facing 47 corruption and money laundering charges involving millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi. – The Vibes, December 31, 2022