Ex-minister involved in corruption but acting as if he’s clean, says PM

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has alleged a former minister of corruption.

The Prime Minister did not name the former minister, but had alleged wrongdoings which involved records, contracts and land.

Anwar said the leader should stop acting as if he’s clean, as he has seen the latter’s files and records.

He said the politician should look into the mirror first, and to watch out.

“Many former ministers have texted me and told me not to talk about corruption and governance, asking me to take care of the country.

“They said I was bragging. They called (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad) Zahid Hamidi a liar and Anwar a pretender in Islam.

“I wish to remind them. You didn’t read (the news?) That’s why I talked to Elon Musk, and before that, Hong Kong tycoon Richard Lee and the world’s largest gas company, Aramco ... That’s the result of us working as a team with ministers, government departments, officials and ambassadors for the country’s economy.

“This former minister spoke as if we were doing nothing.”

Anwar, who was speaking at the Jelajah Madani and launch of Kedah’s unity machinery at Guar Chempedak in Yan, Kedah, on Saturday night, said he would use appropriate platforms to uncover more wrongdoings.

“I speak as the Prime Minister, that I have seen the files and records, and they are utterly shameful,” he said.

Anwar also claimed that the former minister received rewards for building his wealth, including amassing properties locally and abroad.

He added that he raised the matter because he was sick of those who act like they are clean when they are not.

In KEPALA BATAS yesterday commenting that he was constantly questioned about his actions for the Malays and Islam, Anwar said, “In the past eight months, I have often been asked in Parliament what I have done to betray the Malays and Islam.

“Is it because I support Chow Kon Yeow as the Penang Chief Minister?

“I did not betray anyone and accept the truth about politics and reality.

“I want this country to be peaceful.

“All top positions, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Judge, Attorney General, Bank Negara Governor, are all Malays and of the Islamic faith.

“We should not allow racial animosity from happening, which could cause us to fall again,” he said at the state-level Malaysia Madani seminar held at Bertam Resort here on the mainland.

Anwar then told the attendees that he was prepared to improve himself if there were any shortcomings on his part.

“As the Prime Minister, not everything I have done may be perfect.

“Give me time, and I will improve,” he said.

There was one thing, however, that he would not tolerate, he added.

“I have gone through ups and downs, and I will not betray the trust given to me by the people, by stealing the country’s money and allowing corruption to continue in this nation,” he said.