Sungai mati: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning that the era of the 'culture of plunder' and politics centred on enriching cronies is over, stressing the MADANI Government's commitment to producing a clean leadership regardless of race.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the government's primary focus is now to 'clean up' the country's administrative system of entrenched corrupt practices to ensure that every sen of Malaysia's wealth is fully returned for the benefit of the people. He acknowledged that certain quarters continued to exploit narrow racial sentiments and urged the public to judge leaders based on integrity and honesty rather than political rhetoric aimed at concealing past abuses.
"If you ask me, I do not want just anyone to become a leader. I want Malays who are good, honest and not corrupt to become leaders. I want Chinese who are good and not corrupt to become leaders," he stated during the 'Johor Ke Depan, Undi Harapan' programme for the Serom state constituency in Sungai Mati. The event was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
Anwar, who serves as Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, highlighted the necessity to end the practice of abusing power to enrich family members and cronies through government contracts. He noted that this change is imperative for Malaysia to continue progressing and earn global respect.
He further remarked, "It is not about using power to say, 'This is the time I want to enrich myself, make my children rich or award contracts to my wife.' That was the old culture, the culture of plunder. The government must safeguard the system and put a stop to such behaviour."
Anwar also pointed out that attempts by the opposition to create political pressure at this time are driven by a personal agenda to regain control of the federal government. He assured that no one would be protected by the government if found to be involved in corruption during his tenure.
The Prime Minister urged the people, especially voters in Johor, to exercise their rights in the Johor State Election by rejecting leaders lacking integrity to safeguard the future of the next generation.
The programme in Sungai Mati was the eighth attended by the Prime Minister as part of his Johor State Election campaign, marking a total of 15 engagements over two days in the state. The 16th Johor State Election will feature 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7.