TANJONG MALIM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the public to continue supporting the government in its fight against corruption and power abuse.
He said the government is resolute and would not tolerate individuals who siphon billions of ringgit from the country’s revenue, whether recently or in the past.
"Yes, they have contributed to the country... but that does not justify stealing," the Prime Minister said.
He said at a lecture on "Za'ba Seabad Pemikir Kemiskinan” and the National Academic Day at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) here on Saturday (Oct 5).
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang were also present.
Meanwhile, Anwar challenged former leaders who amassed wealth by stealing from the nation’s coffers to return the money to the people and the country.
He said some tout their efforts to defend the nation when, in reality, they have not followed through.
"To the Malay leaders who allegedly looted the country's wealth, as a true fighter, hand over the money you stole to the people and the country," he said.
At the Saturday programme, Anwar also delivered a keynote address titled "Eliminating Poverty for the People's Well-Being" before launching the National Academic Day and the "Guru Bangsa” campaign.
The prime minister also presented Tan Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad (Za'ba) with a posthumous award, the "Anugerah Akademia Negara Sepanjang Zaman.”
Za'ba's granddaughter, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, received the award.
Anwar also handed over funds approved for the Madani Community Prosperity Programme (SejaTi Madani) to five recipients and the People's Welfare Insurance Scheme (SIKR) benefits to four recipients. – Bernama
