'If you stole public funds, you must return it', says Anwar
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the government's commitment to fight corruption and power abuse, assuring that no one, regardless of their political affiliation or past leadership status, will be spared.
He said under his leadership, the government would not obstruct any investigation or arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as long as the individuals involved are genuinely guilty of wrongdoing.
Anwar stated he did not care if the arrests are made daily and that he would not interfere.
"Arrest whoever you want, whether they are from the Unity Government, the opposition, or those retired.
"As long as they really stole, arrest them," he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat event at the Lumut Waterfront on Sunday (June 15).
Citing examples, Anwar said cases involving former ministers linked to financial scandals worth billions of ringgit, some of whom are still trying to gain public sympathy by appealing to their age and status.
"There are former ministers who say, 'pity us, we are old'. I do sympathise, but if you stole public funds, you must return it," he added.
Anwar added that the government would continue to uphold proper governance and remain committed to principles of transparency without compromise.
He said this included ending the culture of awarding projects without open tenders.
"I want to recover whatever was stolen from the country, and I hope everyone will cooperate so we can keep doing our work properly," he said.
Anwar also stressed that he holds no personal grudges against those who wronged him in the past, but matters involving national wealth are a different story.
"You used to insult me, jail me, beat me, now I am the Prime Minister and I have forgiven all of that.
"But if you stole the people's money, you are obligated to return it," he said.
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