Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech during the Penang Chief Minister Chinese New Year open house 2023 at Spice Arena in Bayan Baru, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: There must not be any more stealing of the country's wealth, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in addressing the issue of corruption in Malaysia.
Anwar said Malaysia has the potential to achieve greater heights and be a developed country on the condition that it rejects corruption.
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"High-ranking civil servants and enforcement bodies should no longer be allowed to use their power in acquiring wealth that does not belong to them through government contracts," he said in his speech during Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's Chinese New Year open house held at Setia SPICE Arena in Bayan Lepas.
“If it is for charity, then that is fine, but if the charity is to obtain votes in the election, that is corruption," he said here on Monday (Jan 23).
Anwar said Malaysians need to be brave enough to reject discrimination, racial issues and corruption.
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"I believe if we succeed in rejecting these, we will achieve what we never have before (greater heights).
"We must have humanity when living in a society together.
"There is no use if there is no respect and love among all of us," he said.
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Anwar was joined by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Other guests including politicians and state leaders turned up at the event to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife also attended the open house.
