by Theleaders | August 29, 2026 3:14 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said billions of ringgit lost through leakages and misuse must be recovered and returned to Malaysians, arguing that the government could not justify allowing vast sums of public money to disappear while ordinary people received relatively modest amounts in assistance.
Sinar Harian reported that Anwar said the government had a duty to act against the loss or misuse of public funds, although any action must be based on investigations and evidence.
“I want to stop that, take the money back and give it back to the people. That’s all. And for that, I get cursed in all sorts of ways.
“If people only want RM2,000, but what you took and allowed to disappear runs into billions of ringgit, I want to stop that, take it back and give it back to the people,” he was quoted as saying.
Anwar was speaking today at the Skim Usahawan Bangkit (SUB) Madani Permatang Pauh programme at Dewan Yayasan Aman Penanti in Kubang Semang, Bukit Mertajam.
He said firm action against leakages could invite criticism, but that the government had to uphold good governance and ensure public money ultimately benefited the people.
Anwar cited allegations involving Lembaga Tabung Haji and RM12 billion in funds as an example of a matter that should be investigated to establish what happened and who, if anyone, was responsible.
“I said RM12 billion went missing. How did it disappear? When did it disappear? Who allowed it to disappear? Investigate.
“If there is an investigation and there is evidence, haul them in. If there is strong evidence, charge them in court. Then leave it to the judge,” he said.
Anwar stressed that guilt or innocence should be determined by the courts rather than by the executive.
“If he is not guilty, let him go. If he is guilty, go to Sungai Buloh, go to Kajang, wherever it may be. That is how we govern,” he said.
He said the government was also seeking to ensure that allocations and assistance reached their intended recipients instead of being siphoned off.
“In the past, sometimes those at the top took a lot. If it was rightfully theirs, that would be fine. How much are we giving now? RM800, up to a maximum of RM4,000. But what went missing was tens of billions,” he said.
Anwar added that criticism would not deter him from pursuing the issue.
“I say, curse me as much as you want. I don’t even take a salary.
“I want to show that not every elected representative, not every minister, not every leader goes to work just to take other people’s money. That is the message I want to send,” he said.
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