Govt remains committed to good governance

Anwar said there is a need to create an atmosphere of freedom and awareness of good governance and good policies.

KUALA LUMPUR: Underprivileged individuals will have more equitable access to the country’s resources once the scourge of corruption has been eradicated, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the country is naturally abundant in resources and could support a more equitable access to education, healthcare and housing for everyone once wealth from resources is responsibly and properly managed.

“It is the seventh month (of the government administration) and I’ve continued to be committed to be serious, consistent and tough on the issue of good governance to rid this country of the scourge of corruption and abuse of power,” he said in his speech at the International Social Well-being Conference 2023 (ISWC2023).

Anwar emphasised this was no easy feat.

“We are now also riddled with a high debt level of RM1.5 trillion, a 5.6% budget deficit and systemic corruption.

“Unless we are able to deal with these issues effectively, we will not be able to address the country’s social well-being. Poverty eradication and caring for those who are marginalised is also linked with the issue of good governance.”

The ISWC2023 is jointly organised by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Finance Ministry, the Employees Provident Fund, as well as the International Social Security Association.

Anwar also said the fight against corruption is facing resistance from people and groups who had been enriched before.

“Those who are used to amassing billions in wealth will not sit idle. They will consider it a threat to their survival and a challenge to the entrenched system. They will do everything possible using their funds, their influence and the media to scuttle this process.

“The system should never allow these excesses and rampant corruption and leaders must be held responsible for what they do.

“This means we must strengthen the country’s institutions to stop this scourge of corruption, racism and religious bigotry.”

Anwar added that there is a need to create an atmosphere of freedom and awareness of good governance and good policies.

“Corruption and enriching one’s family and cronies must end and it must end now,” Anwar said.

Only when all of these have been successfully achieved will the government have more resources at its disposal to implement meaningful social projects.

“Once we are successful in eradicating corruption, then I believe policies will be adjusted accordingly. This includes access to quality education for all, medical and housing facilities to protect society at large. Is this a dream or can it be reality in our lifetime?” he asked.

“If you look at the recent progress of this nation as an example, we have abundant resources as we are blessed naturally with revenue in the hundreds and billions of ringgit.

“So there is no reason whatsoever and no defence for us to tolerate (segments of society) being in abject poverty and to live in atrocious conditions.”

Separately, Anwar noted that there needs to be preparedness to embark on new programmes and policies, as well as willingness to part from obsolete mindsets and policies.

“Resistance to change does not necessarily come from poor farmers but rather among the political elites of society, as this means they cannot continue with business as usual,” he said.