‘CERTAIN GROUPS’ HAVE SURROUNDED THE PAKATAN LEADERSHIP – ANWAR WARNS OF ATTEMPTS TO WEAKEN RULING PACT, ‘SEEDS OF CORRUPTION’ ALREADY GROWING AS WAS IN BN

CORRUPTION is no longer the sole preserve of Umno and Barisan Nasional, as Pakatan Harapan has begun to show signs of it after taking power, said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is to take over the reins from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said the PH leadership was now surrounded by “certain groups” which he said were attempting to weaken the ruling coalition.

“There are now seeds of corruption in PH, not just BN. Some have been living and spending extraordinarily not long after taking positions of power.

“Support for PH must be conditional. We must uphold idealism, defend the principle of struggle, and not tolerate bribery, misappropriation, and (illegitimate) transfer of personal and family wealth.

“This is already happening in PH,” he said in his address at a breaking of fast event in Bangi organised by the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim), of which he is a former president.

The Port Dickson MP said the people were beginning to doubt whether the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had the courage to act against those in power, and added that it was important for party members to speak out against leaders who had gained sudden wealth.

“Sometimes we overlook too much in our colleagues and leaders, and think nothing of them stealing a little money or being extravagant.

“Civil society must be more vocal, and not only guard their own interests.”

Anwar did not give names.

Recently, the aides to PH ministers have been investigated for alleged graft.

These include the aide to Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Salahuddin Ayub for owning a luxury watch.

Last year, the aide to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu was under probe after he allegedly paid RM800,000 to settle his debts and clear his bankruptcy status.

A report was also lodged last year against the aide to Works Minister Baru Bian for allegedly  promising contracts to PKR leaders in Pahang in exchange for their support.

THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT