I will tackle graft among elite even if it costs my job: Anwar

JAKARTA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is willing to risk his position as prime minister in order to ensure that the elite minority will not be able to use their wealth and power as a vehicle to feed their greed at the expense of the Malaysian masses.

Speaking to the Malaysian diaspora in Jakarta, Indonesia tonight at the embassy here, the prime minister stressed that he will not compromise with this particular group come hell or high water.

“Malaysia must be free from the greed of the elite minority who have abused their power to increase their wealth and those of their clans. I will not compromise on this, even though it will risk my position. 

“We are all disgusted with those who speak about democracy, Malay supremacy, or being pillars of Islam, but betray the responsibilities entrusted to them and use their power to seize wealth that does not belong to them.

“I will not conduct selective investigation or prosecution, but the cabinet and I believe that our enforcement officers from the Inland Revenue Board, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and the police’s commercial crimes unit will show their new spirit to put a stop to this culture,” said Anwar. 

The Tambun MP said this was critical to his desire to elevate the impoverished no matter their race or religion, but also stressed that the unity government must not forget to protect and defend the special rights and privileges of the Malays and Bumiputera.

Although his main concern is economic development and wealth distribution for all, Anwar said, it is impossible to focus on that as long as corruption continues to haunt the corridors of power, and the powerful abuse their position to create leakages in government expenditure.

Anwar observed that corruption has become a culture within society that must be addressed.

Later, during the question-and-answer session, the prime minister said that his cabinet has a set of general key performance indicators to meet.

“So, in a week we will have a special ministers’ retreat to determine and listen to their input after a month of their work,” he said. 

“After that, we will make an announcement on the performance and KPI of each minister.” – The Vibes, January 8, 2023