BANGI: Corruption has to be stopped wherever it happens, and has nothing to do with the race or religion of those involved, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“If wrongdoing happens in bodies under the government purview, action must be taken regardless of the race of the people running the body,” said the Prime Minister.
He said he was not targeting Malay and Muslim agencies, and decried those who try to sweep wrongdoings under the rug for fear of bringing shame to the Muslim community.
Instead, he said, agencies run by Muslims should set the best example to all in eliminating corruption and wrongdoing.
“Take Tabung Haji, for example. Muslims and Malays should be even more serious and meticulous when it comes to management, ethics and values. We should set an example.
“We do not ask whether it is a Malay company or a government company. If we identify a problem, we will take action. Do not turn this into an issue of race or religion,” he said.
He said investigations into Felda are ongoing, and action will be taken if wrongdoing is found.
“I have established a special task force and the Felda Recovery Committee. Our objective is to safeguard its role and prevent the harm that has happened in the past.
“The task force has started investigating and the focus is on improving Felda’s management and identifying past problems,” he said after a meet-and-greet session with over 300 media managers from across the country.
Also in attendance were Felda director-general Datuk Dr Suzana Idayu Wati Osman and Felda chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir.
Anwar said all mistakes need to be identified and corrected.
“But today, when there is corruption in Islamic bodies, we are told not to highlight them ‘as it will bring shame’,” he said.
“There was even a party leader who said, ‘Why do we always have to go after Malay and Islamic bodies? That company is under the government; it is not Malay or Muslim.”
“On Thursday, I chaired a meeting of the Khazanah Board. Khazanah is the richest and largest investment institution in the country.
“Among the issues raised was an old one involving a company, perhaps dating back to 2015 or 2017. Regardless of how long ago it happened, we have identified weaknesses in governance and management,” said Anwar.
On Thursday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that scrutiny of Tabung Haji’s alleged mismanagement had been exaggerated to damage the image of Malay Muslims.
He was referring to the recent declassified report of a Royal Commission of Inquiry on Tabung Haji, which exposed massive financial losses, misleading accounting and political interference between 2014 and 2020.
Earlier at the event, Anwar said the government is committed to prioritising the housing issues of Felda managers as some residential quarters of Felda staff and managers, which are half a century old, are in bad shape.
“We will approve the allocation this year. I want the implementation to be carried out as quickly as possible. I am not asking for five-star hotels. I am asking that the houses do not have leaking roofs or broken toilets.
“In return, I seek your cooperation so we can implement the seven Felda strategic initiatives,” he said.
On July 7, the Prime Minister announced seven initiatives in conjunction with Felda Settlers’ Day and the 70th Anniversary celebration, including strengthening digital literacy for settlers and renovating 370 primary and secondary schools in Felda areas.
“The problem with Felda is not the settlers, but it has to do with the management. A glorious past can be destroyed by greed alone.
“We should admit that there are problems and find solutions to them,” said Anwar.
