Anwar says politicians should not steal and stash money in houses

Anwar says politicians should not steal and stash money in houses






PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on political leaders to refrain from misappropriating public funds for personal gain, emphasising that leadership roles like his should focus on serving the people, not amassing wealth.


Speaking at the Madani Breaking of Fast event in Perak last night (March 14), Anwar stressed his decision to forgo his salary as a symbolic gesture.


“I don’t take a salary to show not all ministers are after money. Salaries are a right, but don’t steal and stash them in other houses. Being prime minister or finance minister isn’t about enriching yourself – that cannot happen,” he said.


Anwar also dismissed claims of acting out of vengeance, asserting his current role carries a greater duty.

“Some say this is about revenge. Revenge for what? I’m already prime minister – why fight? My responsibility is to safeguard the people’s money and return it to them,” he added.

His remarks come amid heightened anti-corruption efforts, spotlighted by the ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) interrogation of former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail, who led Malaysia from August 2021 to November 2022, has been under MACC scrutiny over alleged misuse of RM700mil in government funds for publicity during his tenure. Named a suspect earlier this month, he faced a five-hour questioning session on March 13 and is due back at MACC headquarters today.

The probe intensified after authorities seized RM170mil in cash and gold bars from properties linked to him, alongside arresting four of his aides. While Anwar did not reference this case directly, his comments underscore a broader push for accountability in governance. — March 15, 2025