No compromise in fight against those who plunder nation's wealth, says Anwar

 

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Bernama

IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not make any compromises when it comes to saving the people from individuals who plunder the nation's wealth.

The Prime Minister said he had instructed the government to save the country from leaders who enrich themselves by stealing from the nation's coffers and assets.

"That is my pledge, for better or worse, I will face it. If you want to bring me down because I fight corruption, by all means, but I am never going to compromise when it comes to cleaning up the country and saving the people from those who rob the nation.

"These are not small amounts (stolen), with government leaders, ministers and state executive councillors (involved). Keep in mind I have instructed the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) to act against anyone who commits corruption, especially those who keep doing it despite already being warned," he said when launching the "Semarak Tambun Cinta Al-Quran" and breaking of fast event at the Al-Ittihadiah Mosque here on Monday (April 10).

Anwar also said he was not involved in the court case involving former Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.

"When we take action (against corruption), we are (perceived to be) oppressive. I'm not investigating (the former Perlis Mentri Besar case) or the one who lodged a report with the MACC or the police," he said.

Azlan pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Monday with five counts of submitting false claims of more than RM1.18mil between 2013 and 2017.

Anwar said as an example, the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) must not spare wealthy individuals when it came to collecting taxes in an effort to save the country from losing revenue.

"The Inland Revenue Board collects taxes from all, but individuals with billions (in assets) do not pay up or even when they do, they pay small amounts.

"Regular income earners, however, are expected to pay their taxes, so this is where we must rectify things.

"And what do the things I had just pointed out has anything to do with Ramadan? Ramadan is about self-discipline, values and morals which I am manifesting as Madani," he said. - Bernama