JOHOR BARU: Stricter regulations are needed to prevent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from misusing public donations, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the move is necessary to ensure welfare bodies, trusts and foundations do not abuse funds collected from the public.
“Many NGOs use the name of Islam to raise millions of ringgit to help Palestinians, but the funds end up being used to purchase properties.
“Recently, we also heard of funds collected for welfare purposes being misused for personal gain,” he said after a dialogue with trainees at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Temenggong Ibrahim here yesterday.
“We cannot classify such actions as corruption in the usual sense, as these organisations collect funds legitimately with certificates,” he said, adding that stronger oversight is needed to regulate NGO spending.
At the same event, Anwar urged youths to stay informed about geopolitical developments, saying global instability is already affecting Malaysia.
“Youths must be aware and understand current affairs and how they affect us. Do not rely on fragments of information that can harm national harmony. That is not a sign of knowledge or maturity,” he said, adding that the younger generation should strive for excellence in both knowledge and discourse.
Separately, when asked about a video circulating online claiming he had billions of ringgit stored in Africa and Turkiye, Anwar dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“Why listen to this makcik? If there are a thousand such claims, do I need to respond to all of them? Produce proof if that is the case. Otherwise, it only becomes a platform for slander. I have a lot of other work to do,” he said.
Regarding the royal crisis in Negri Sembilan, Anwar said the issue will be managed by the state authorities.
On April 19, the four Undang reportedly decided to remove Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir on grounds of misconduct, though no details were disclosed.
They also unanimously named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’a-far, the Tunku Panglima of Negri Sembilan, as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has since questioned the move’s legality.
