KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament today that billions of ringgit in leakages from corruption and crimes such as smuggling were allowed to happen for decades under previous administrations, as he explained how his government managed to save up to RM15 billion in potential losses.
Addressing the floor during Prime Minister’s Question Time, Anwar said some of the crime syndicates dismantled by a multi-agency task force he had set up had operated for up to twenty years with impunity, which he said was likely facilitated by powerful but corrupt officials.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman has made the fight against graft a hallmark of his administration.
Earlier this year, Anwar said his anti-corruption drive had helped save the government RM15 billion in potential leakages, a success he attributed to the integrity of enforcement agencies.
“I see this as a very meaningful achievement because the Madani government has given all the enforcement agencies wide powers. Previously they operated in silos, but I instructed them to collaborate, share information and act sternly regardless of influence or position,” Anwar said.
“This means action against big cartels, major smugglers or scammers who have been operating for decades, and with the full knowledge of those in power, yet nothing was done because they were too influential and had ample funds,” the Tambun MP added.
“So I’d like to thank and congratulate all the agencies involved — MACC, IRB, the police and the Domestic Trade Ministry — because they have been steadfast and shown no fear.”
More to come
