[UPDATED] Bring back overseas assets, sell them to help Malays, PM dares tycoons

SG BULOH – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has again challenged Malaysian tycoons to give some of their wealth back to “save the Malay community”, instead of solely leaving the responsibility to the government of the day. 

He dared those with wealth stashed away overseas, mentioning Africa and Canada – but did not name anyone in particular. 

“The country is still facing hardcore poverty issues and a very wide gap exists between the rich and poor. 

“And there are those who still speak of saving the Malays, yet have billions in assets. 

“Why don’t you bring back your wealth in Vancouver or African banks, sell them off, and help the Malays? 

“I know many do not wish to touch on this subject, but why should I be the prime minister if I cannot take money from ‘penyakau’ (robbers) and just focused on charging taxes to the public?,” said Anwar during his speech when launching the new Employee Provident Fund (EPF) headquarters in Kwasa Damansara today.

Two days ago at the government’s Madani Aidilfitri open house in Penang, Anwar made the same call to rich tycoons, daring them to give away half their profits to help the Malays. He made these remarks against wealthy Malays with “tun” and “tan sri” titles whom he said would talk about saving the Malays, but instead, enriched themselves and their family members.

He also briefly mentioned former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin. 

Anwar, who is Tambun MP and former opposition leader, has in the past alleged that numerous Malay political leaders accumulated massive wealth during their time in politics. 

In one such speech recently, Anwar referred to a leader who had been in power for 22 years. This has led to a RM150 million defamation suit by Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister Dr Mahathir against Anwar. – The Vibes, May 8, 2023