We are not punishing the dead, says Anwar

New Straits Times

24-07-2025

PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya's priority is to recover funds taken illegally, not punish those who have died, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
While not mentioning any name in particular, Anwar criticised opposition leaders for allegedly defending individuals accused of amassing billions through dubious means.
It was, however, previously reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) is moving to seize and forfeit more than RM3 billion worth of assets allegedly linked to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his widow Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid, their family members, and close associates.
"We are not trying to punish the dead, we just want to recover the money that was taken illegally," the prime minister said.
"But some seem to think it's fine, no impact, and even use the parliamentary platform to defend those who siphoned off billions."
Anwar said there is a need to end the culture of extravagance and lack of accountability, adding such practices had long plagued the country.
"It has become ingrained in our system. That's why, if you look at the opposition now, there's hardly any talk about corruption.
"When I was in the opposition, corruption was priority number one. Now, when action is taken, some say, 'Have pity, he's old,' or 'He's no longer around,'" he said during the Finance Ministry monthly assembly today.
The prime minister questioned why there should be sympathy when the issue involved public wealth.
"What kind of business was this? Nobody knows. How much wealth? RM4 billion? We don't know.
"He bought shares, but how much? And when he died, how much of the fund was left? RM2 billion? This is totally unacceptable," he said.