PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the government has successfully recovered between RM4 billion and RM5 billion in assets linked to corrupt activities across various agencies in just one year.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ipoh Sentral development project, Anwar said the recovery reflected the Madani administration’s commitment to strengthening governance and eradicating the culture of bribery that has long burdened Malaysians.
“Some have mocked our push for good governance and aggressive anti-corruption efforts,” he said.
“But let me tell you what we have achieved. In just one year, we have seized RM4 to RM5 billion from corruption involving various ministries, immigration, customs, and even political figures.”
“This shows that with determination and efficiency, we can clean up the system. Good governance is the cornerstone of a functioning nation,” he added.
Anwar, who is also MP for Tambun, reiterated that the old practice of linking major development projects to kickbacks and inducements would no longer be tolerated under his administration.
“If someone wants to construct a 15-storey building, they’re asked for a ‘token of appreciation’. Raise it to 20 storeys, and the ‘token’ increases. This must stop. Clear rules must be codified across all sectors,” he said.
He also stressed the government’s focus on uplifting citizens’ welfare through progressive public sector wage reforms and urged government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to lead by example in offering fair starting salaries.
“We’ve gradually raised the minimum wage. For GLICs, the entry-level salary is now around RM3,100. Other large companies must also consider this, as it directly impacts worker welfare,” he said.
Turning to infrastructure, Anwar highlighted the RM6.25 billion Ipoh Sentral as a flagship transit-oriented development (TOD) project rooted in sustainable and community-focused design.
The 67-acre project will feature a landmark public park at Regat Tun Perak, a new mosque, integration of existing places of worship, serviced apartments, office space, retail areas, hotels, and public amenities.
Once completed, Ipoh Sentral is expected to generate over 8,000 new jobs and become a model of holistic urban development.
“This must be more than just buildings. We must ensure it uplifts lives. I’ve asked the Menteri Besar, the Transport and Housing Ministers, and others to re-evaluate all aspects. If refined properly, Ipoh Sentral can become a national model,” Anwar said.
In Larut, Anwar also visited the ongoing Phase 2 construction of the Kamunting–Anak Kurau New Road Project, which is set to reduce travel time from 45 to just 15 minutes.
The road is expected to benefit over 5,000 rural residents by improving access, supporting agricultural trade — including palm oil, durians, and petai — and boosting eco-tourism at sites such as Lata Sempeneh and the Seven Beret Campsite.
With 70.5% progress to date, the project is ahead of schedule by 59 days and is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Anwar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure to ensure equitable development across the country. - August 16, 2025
