SHAH ALAM – The days of government aid being distributed only during election season are over, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today in giving his commitment that his administration will be consistent in helping the people.
The prime minister said this in hitting out at past leaders, whom he noted had only focused on distributing aid when elections approached.
“Last time, when it’s nearing an election, only then would those in high power, who have never said anything about poverty and who embezzled public funds, would give out money.
“We don’t want that. We want to ensure that we immediately help (those in need). The election is still far from now, but work must start now, only then can we be considered as sincere.
“But (for some), when they have power, they steal money, and during elections, they give money,” he said at the launch of the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) programme here today.
Without naming names, Anwar said acts of corruption must stop immediately, and that those entrusted to lead the nation must properly assist the rakyat.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman said this is what motivates him to order the top leaders of major companies to take part in corporate social responsibility efforts by giving back to the poor.
One example he gave was his agreement with the head of Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, to allocate a special fund of RM60 million for distribution to local farmers.
“This is important, because it means if these big firms are managed by clear leaders, then problems can be solved.”
He also expressed fury over the nation’s current RM1.5 trillion debt – largely due to corruption and leakages caused by past leaders to enrich themselves and their cronies.
He also took a swipe at Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders for accusing him of allegedly neglecting states under the opposition coalition.
Anwar said allocations granted by the unity government were far better then when PN held federal power.
“We must stop (the perception) that being a prime minister or a minister (means) you must be rich. This cannot persist. We must stop it.
“I have (spoken) about putting an end to hardcore poverty. I also want to put a full stop to major corruption in the country.
“This money can then be returned to the rakyat. I’m confident that if we can save the country from leakages and graft, we can help the people.” – The Vibes, April 8, 2023
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