Return your loot to the country, PM tells former leaders

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has challenged former leaders who amassed wealth by stealing from the nation’s coffers to return the money.

He stressed that those involved should not merely talk about their supposed efforts to defend the nation when, in reality, they have not followed them through, Bernama reported.

“If it is true that the Malay leaders who looted the country’s wealth, who have billions of ringgit, are real fighters, my question is, how much do you have now?

“...better, as a true fighter, hand over the money you stole to the people and the country,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said this at a lecture on “Za’ba Seabad Pemikir Kemiskinan” and the National Academic Day at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, today.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

At the programme today, Anwar also delivered a keynote address titled “Eliminating poverty for the people’s well-being” before launching the National Academic Day and the “Guru Bangsa” campaign.

The prime minister also presented a posthumous award, “Anugerah Akademia Negara Sepanjang Zaman”, to the late distinguished writer and linguist Zainal Abidin Ahmad (Za’ba) who died on Oct 23, 1973.

The award was received by Za’ba’s granddaughter, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor.

Anwar also handed over funds approved for the Madani Community Prosperity Programme to five recipients and benefits of the People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme to four recipients.

No right to steal

The prime minister also urged the public to continue to support the government in its fight against corruption and power abuse.

He said the government is resolute and will not tolerate individuals who siphon off billions of ringgit from the country’s revenue, whether it occurred in the past or recently.

“The firm stance against corruption and abuse of power is still being used as a political excuse. How unfortunate.

“Yes, they have contributed to the country… but everyone contributes, from the penghulu (village chief) to the imam (Muslim cleric). Does that give them the right to steal?

“Can an imam steal from the mosque because of his contributions? And for a finance minister - just because of his contributions, does that justify stealing?” asked Anwar. - Mkini