DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not fear the impending investigations into Khazanah Nasional Berhad, as there is nothing to hide.
This is over alleged irregularities in Khazanah and Permodalan Nasional Berhad's investments in the controversial firm - Fashion Valet Sdn Bhd, which resulted in some RM43.9 million losses.
Anwar said that the alleged deal could have taken place before his national unity administration took over in 2022.
What's important is that the government ensures that it is transparent and free of corruption in the way forward, he said.
Anwar, through his social media account, directed Khazanah to commence an internal audit into the deal.
“This stern instruction comes from my previous direction to the national audit department to audit 2,000 government-linked companies to create a better system of governance and ensure all the companies fulfill their responsibilities and functions,” he said in a post on X.
The owners of Fashion Valet, an e-commerce venture, had also posted on their social media, apologizing for the alleged controversy.
Earlier when opening the National Hawkers and Petty Traders Day celebrations at the Penang International Convention Centre in Butterworth, Anwar reiterated that he is not taking any salary as prime minister.
"I together with Azizah (Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) are only surviving on our parliamentary allowances. Cukup dah kot (It is adequate for now)."
Anwar said that if he took a salary, he would then be accused by the Opposition for going back on his word.
Anwar also marked the 75th anniversary of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) at the same venue, where he underlined the agency's growing importance in providing the right and quality data to help govern the nation.
Anwar said that DSOM data and figures would help each ministry chart the right path to ensure the right people get the attention they deserve.
In the era of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and data gathering, Anwar said that DOSM is proving itself to be an invaluable partner in nation-building.
He also wants DOSM to expand its services to help the country when it chairs the ASEAN regional grouping. - November 2, 2024.
