Billions in seized funds to be returned to rakyat, says Anwar

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the move is in line with the government’s principle that the nation’s wealth should be enjoyed by the people.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

Billions of ringgit in funds seized from illicit activities will be returned to the rakyat, particularly through the education and healthcare sectors, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the move involved proceeds seized through legal processes and court decisions.

“Today, I announce that all funds seized from illicit proceeds through legal processes and judicial decisions, amounting to billions of ringgit, will be returned to the people, particularly for education and healthcare,” he said.

He said this when delivering the 69th National Day address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here.

Anwar said the move was in line with the government’s principle that the nation’s wealth should be enjoyed by the people.

At the same time, he said the government would not allow the nation’s wealth to be misused or enjoyed by certain parties through unlawful activities.

“There must be no attempts to act as though one is above the law if they are involved in corruption or abuse of power,” he said.

Anwar also questioned the meaning of independence if children in remote and marginalised communities still lacked opportunities to enjoy the progress experienced by other Malaysians.

He said every citizen must be given due attention and support, regardless of race.

“We have one homeland, Malaysia,” he said.

“We have inherited this country, and we are responsible for its success.” - FMT