KUALA LUMPUR: Racial slogans have long been used to deceive Malaysians while billions were siphoned off in the background, but the era of hiding corruption behind ethnic loyalty must end, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said some leaders who once claimed to champion Malay interests had, in reality, amassed vast personal wealth, with billions allegedly stashed in accounts under their control, betraying the very communities they professed to defend.
“People spoke about fighting for Malays, but when you looked at their accounts, there were billions.”
“They claimed to protect the community while siphoning off funds here and there,” he said, warning Malaysians not to be misled by false promises cloaked in ethnic rhetoric.
The Prime Minister made these remarks in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention here on Saturday (Feb 7).
Anwar said such figures were now uneasy not because they were misunderstood, but because they feared accountability under a government anchored in justice and principles.
“This is a government that does not compromise. The country must be saved, must stand firm on principles, and must reject all attempts to deceive and plunder national wealth,” he said.
He stressed that corruption and abuse of power have long been challenges since independence. Still, he said the current administration has shown unprecedented courage in taking action against those who misuse public funds.
“Since we gained our independence, when has a government truly dared to act against those who stole billions?”
“For years, our money was taken daily. Now, we are confident the country is on the right path,” he said.
Anwar called on civil society groups and non-governmental organisations to support efforts to cleanse the country of corruption and financial wrongdoing, noting that arrests had involved figures from across the hierarchy, including ministers, former ministers and senior officials.
“What matters to me is helping the people and doing what is right, defending their interests and saving this country,” he said.
He also reiterated that the government and its supporting parties were multi-racial and multi-religious, rejecting politics based on ethnic supremacy.
“We have never claimed to be champions of any one race. Yet, we continue to be champions of justice - giving people what is rightfully theirs,” he said.
He added that the government had recorded its strongest performance in tackling hardcore poverty across all communities, including Malays, Chinese and especially Indians.
“This is the government that has done the most to resolve hardcore poverty, regardless of race,” he added.
