Pakatan to bar cronyism, break up monopolies

Pakatan Rakyat will not allow its leaders to award contracts to their children or cronies, should it form the federal government.

At the same time, it will break up monopolies in the gas, oil and alcoholic beverage sectors that are already in the hands of the children of those who have held political power.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, denying he is trading blows with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad on this issue, said the Pakatan decision has nothing to do with vengeance.

"We will not allow the use of Malay issues to lift their sons to become among the richest in Malaysia (by being an adviser), richer than any (other) Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak or Kadazan. This cannot be condoned," he said.

"This is because such practices could have elements of corruption, abuse of power and cronyism. It is proof of cronyism when the son of the PM is among the richest in Malaysia - among the top 10."

Mahathir had recently taken another trademark swipe at PKR, describing it as a party comprising Anwar's children.

Anwar retorted that Mahathir is sufficient proof of someone who has used his power to lift his children to become billionaires.

He said this is not only the problem with Mahathir, but with Umno ministers who have awarded contracts to their children and Wanita Umno leaders who have been allocated land, for example.

Such practices will have to stop, he said.

[More to follow]