PM wants former leaders to return 'loot'

PM wants former leaders to return 'loot'


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned two former national leaders to voluntarily return wealth they illegally accumulated or face investigations.

Speaking at a Pakatan Harapan-BN rally in Machang, Kelantan last night, Anwar said he gave three warnings to the duo, whom he did not name, but there was no response.

He said if those two former leaders were truly champions of the Malays, they should surrender those assets so they can be redistributed to the poor.

“Do you really want to help the Malays? Then sell your property in London and Australia. Sell your jet. Give (the proceeds) to the poor.

“They did not respond. I’ve said it three times, including tonight. They must return the money that they stole from the rakyat.

“If not, I will ask the authorities to go to their homes and offices to check their accounts,” said Anwar.

He said he expected to be blamed if the duo are investigated for violating national laws.

“When they are in trouble (with the authorities), they will say that we are cruel, vengeful, oppressive and that we are the masterminds.

“(For example) when someone had a problem with the royals, it was Anwar’s fault. The one that reported the matter was the royal council. The arrest was made by the police. The charges were laid by the attorney-general.

“However, (our opponents) say it is Anwar's fault.”

Anwar was referring to the two sedition charges against Kedah caretaker menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over speeches which allegedly insulted the royal institution.

Caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor


Probe of govt ministers

Meanwhile, the prime minister assured that his administration has ordered the MACC and the Inland Revenue Board to investigate cabinet ministers if they benefited from the contracts they awarded or if there is corruption through equity holdings.

He said this is necessary to ensure that funds meant to help the public are not abused.

“We want to stop the practice of leaders stealing public wealth. God willing, everyone is supportive of this effort,” he said.

Last night’s rally was part of the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani tour, which also saw the launching of the state-level Harapan-BN pact’s election machinery.

Anwar was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.