PUTRAJAYA: There is little room for sympathy when it comes to the corrupt, especially those who misappropriate public money, says the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the launch of National Wakaf Month 2025 here on Thursday (Feb 27), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned politicians and the elite who exploit public resources for personal gain.
He said the government cannot allow billions to be stolen while low-income earners hope for small salary increments.
“People are expecting just RM100 in their salary schemes for the year, yet billions are being siphoned off.
“When action is taken, we hear all sorts of excuses and pleas for sympathy.
"I have very little sympathy for these people because when we think about Islam, it (corruption) doesn’t reflect Islamic teachings,” he said in his speech at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Anwar made it clear that his administration would not tolerate such injustices, especially when the wealthy continue to thrive on illicit gains while the poor are asked to contribute to public funds through wakaf (endowment) and donations.
He stressed the need for strict financial governance to ensure that public funds, including money allocated for wakaf, serve their intended purpose rather than enriching a select few.
He said some politicians and business figures use political or economic justifications to defend corruption, but these arguments are no longer acceptable.
“How can we ask those earning RM3,000 a month to donate RM100 for wakaf while allowing others to rob the nation of hundreds of millions? This system must be corrected,” he said.
He also urged the Wakaf, Zakat and Hajj Department to set an example of clean, ethical management, calling for greater accountability and transparency in the administration of public funds.
Reaffirming his commitment to clean governance, Anwar said in his two years as Prime Minister, he has not allowed direct negotiations for government projects, ensuring that all approvals follow due process under the Finance Ministry.
“I will not approve anything that violates principles of governance because allowing mismanagement would strip wakaf of its true meaning and spirit,” he said.
He also criticised past financial scandals, including multibillion-ringgit procurement deals that resulted in abandoned assets and massive public losses.
“Do not think that just because you hold a high position, you are immune. I will not allow corruption to destroy this country,” he warned.
Anwar urged Malaysians to recognise that wakaf and national progress depend on ethical governance, warning that corruption would cripple the nation’s ability to serve its people.
He called for collective awareness and reform, stressing that public donations and wakaf contributions must be matched with a government that ensures financial integrity.
“Do not wait until you are rich to contribute... at the same time, we must never let those in power misuse the nation’s wealth while the people are asked to sacrifice,” he added.
