KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — The government will do the utmost to save the country from corruption and abuse of power, including by acting firmly against former government leaders and influential senior officials.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government, under his leadership, remains steadfast in upholding integrity and justice and is committed to cleansing the country of fraud and the looting of public assets.
“This is the only government that insists the country must be saved. We do not compromise, and that is why some are unhappy and afraid of us.
“The people and this country must reject all attempts by those who seek to deceive and plunder the nation’s wealth,” he said in his speech at the Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat Convention in Gombak near here today.
Also present were Keadilan deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, vice-presidents Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, and secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Saleh.
Anwar, who is also Keadilan president, said that since taking office, the government has taken bold and consistent action in cases of misconduct involving political figures and senior government officials, a move he described as unprecedented in its scope.
He said firm action against leaders and high-ranking officials who misappropriate national assets would continue until the government he leads is confident that the country is back on the right path.
He acknowledged that the approach carries challenges and risks, including political pressure and backlash from affected parties.
“Do you think we are not afraid of risks? How many influential people have we taken action against? What do I care?” he said, stressing that the security and future of the nation outweigh the interests of any individual or group.
Anwar said the government’s firm stance has also triggered distorted narratives and political attacks aimed at undermining public confidence.
“How long have the people been deceived with false promises? Those who claim to be champions of the race, when their accounts are examined, show billions of ringgit. That is why they are afraid of us,” he said.
He emphasised that while criticism is allowed in a democratic society, any attempt to incite hatred, undermine harmony or threaten national security will not be tolerated.
“Criticism is allowed. But if you attempt to disrupt national security, believe me, we will take strict action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar stressed that efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power must be supported by all parties, including the public and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to ensure reforms are effective.
He added that the government will continue to strengthen institutions, address weaknesses inherited from previous administrations, and ensure that all actions taken are firmly grounded in the law and the Federal Constitution.
“No country will be safe if hatred is tolerated and corruption is normalised. This country will only succeed if we dare to act and are willing to take risks in the pursuit of truth,” Anwar said.
