KUALA LUMPUR – The fight against corrupt practices which put the nation’s well-being at stake must transcend race and religion, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar reiterated that he is determined to battle injustices plaguing the country, even if he has to face fierce opposition from wealthy groups complicit in corrupt norms.
“I have taken a very firm stand (on) saving Malaysia from thieves and this requires a clear and solid political will (that is not based on) race or religion.
“Instead, (the government’s anti-graft crackdown) is based on values and morals. I hope the rakyat can understand this and stand together with us in combating corruption,” he said after attending the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department’s Raya open house at Dataran Merdeka here today.
Anwar was responding to questions posed by reporters regarding a report by Emir Research that claimed Malaysia has suffered RM4.5 trillion worth of losses over the last 26 years due to corruption and leakages.
Noting that the government has not yet determined the actual amount of funds lost to corruption, Anwar admitted that the figure is a huge loss to the nation.
“I cannot confirm the amount (of losses). The government is not too sure of that, but it involves billions of ringgit,” Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said.
“This is why I have made a very serious decision (to combat corruption), despite various attacks and attempts (to derail such efforts), particularly from the rich.
“It doesn’t matter if you are rich, as long as you are not corrupt with billions of assets, whether inside or outside the country, and hiding it.”
He added that he has instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia as well as the Commercial Crime Investigation Department to take the necessary actions to probe into monetary losses suffered by the country due to graft.
The event today saw the attendance of about 20,000 visitors braving sweltering temperatures to feast on local delicacies provided by over 100 stalls while hoping to catch a glimpse of Anwar, who made rounds visiting each eatery.
The food served included roti canai, fried noodles, satay, soto ayam, dim sum, and lemang.
Also in attendance at the event, which started at around 10am and ended just after 12pm, were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council chairman Tan Sri Mohd Daud Bakar. – The Vibes, May 13, 2023
