PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged Melaka voters to look beyond political rivalries and choose leaders capable of delivering better opportunities, livelihoods and a brighter future for the next generation.
He said the state election should not become a contest for political power but a platform to secure development that directly improves people's lives, particularly through education, skills training and employment.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said young people from all communities must be equipped to compete in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT) and computing.
Foreign investments, he said, should also translate into better skills and more job opportunities for the local workforce.
“What is this state election for? Fighting here, fighting there, putting up posters everywhere — what is it all for? We must find a way forward. Politics should be about helping the people. And I mean that from the heart,” he said at the Melaka Rumah Kita grand rally in Paya Rumput last night.
He also vowed not to retreat from his campaign against corruption and abuse of power, insisting that he had never stolen public money despite criticism from political opponents.
Anwar said allegations of financial misconduct must be supported by evidence and investigated through the proper legal channels, rather than used as political accusations.
“People can attack me all they want, I accept that. But I have not stolen the people's money.
“I understand that many people do not like me. I understand that many want to bring me down. Why? Because we are tough on those who plunder public funds,” he said.
He said investigations were the responsibility of the Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, while prosecution was handled by the Attorney-General's Chambers before cases were decided by the courts.
Anwar also cited financial controversies involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Lembaga Tabung Haji and FELDA, saying their financial implications continued to burden government resources.
He referred to nearly RM1 billion in annual payments for FELDA and alleged losses of RM10 billion involving Tabung Haji.
He also questioned a RM9 billion project financed through a loan from China's Exim Bank in 2016, claiming part of the funding had not produced the intended projects.
Anwar said the government had negotiated the recovery of RM5 billion, which was subsequently used for a water supply project from Sungai Perak to Penang.
Meanwhile, in a separate Deepavali message, Anwar urged Malaysians to continue practising kindness, mutual respect and tolerance to preserve national harmony.
He said Malaysia's cultural and religious diversity was no obstacle to shared values of love, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
“These are the beauties of Malaysia that we must continue to preserve.
“Happy Deepavali to all those celebrating,” he said in a Facebook post. - November 6, 2026
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