Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has drawn on lessons from history as Malaysians ready for the new year, in his speech that was delivered during a function at Masjid Putra, Putrajaya, held in lieu of the cancelled customary annual concert and countdown.
Having just passed his first month in office, Anwar (above) reflected on changes introduced under his administration so far, including weeding out corrupt practices from within a “small segment” of the civil service.
“There are enforcement authorities found to still be careless, continuing old practices of imposing extra payments or demanding gifts.
“As I’m speaking here in this mosque today, I ask for full cooperation because I will not compromise with any elements capable of destroying our country,” he said.
The prime minister added that there are more honest law enforcers compared to the smaller corrupt elements, that he likened to “termites”, and the latter group should be eradicated.
At the same time, Anwar noted that since taking office, detractors had accused the government - formed through cooperation between Pakatan Harapan, BN, and others - of harbouring corrupt elements from past administrations.
He, however, noted that the same individuals now attacking the government - including former prime ministers and former finance ministers - were also allegedly responsible for the looting of billions in public funds.
“So my advice would be that this government will ensure that at least a portion of the looted funds will be returned. It is not a small sum.
“There are those who said Anwar should move on. If there was only a personal impact on me, I can forgive and I have forgiven.
“But if there is an impact on the people, then there is no power that allows the prime minister to let go of the billions that were looted while they were in power,” he said, adding that law enforcers must play a role in the recovery effort. - Mkini
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