Government Firm On Anti-Corruption Stance, Some Political Parties Unhappy – Anwar

BATU PAHAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that there are political parties conspiring to topple him because his government is firm in combating corruption and abuse of power.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman, said that the Madani Government’s administration, which does not compromise on the practice of stealing public funds or using power for personal gain, has become a factor that has caused dissatisfaction among certain quarters.

“That is why you all know now, all parties are conspiring to bring me down. Why? Because they know we are strict. They know we take care of everything,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Friendly Gathering Programme with PMX for the Senggarang State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in conjunction with the Johor State Election (PRN) here on Sunday.

Also present was PH Communications Director who is also Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Anwar said that he is not intimidated by the political pressure because his administrative principles are clear, which is to ensure that leaders do not abuse their power to obtain land, projects, shares, or personal wealth.

He said that throughout his several visits to Johor as Prime Minister, he has never taken any land, projects, or shares in the state.

“I have come to Johor dozens of times, have I taken any land? No. Have I taken any projects? None. Have I taken any shares? None. We must teach our representatives, the state is good, uphold this principle,” he said.

In that regard, Anwar called on Johor voters to give PH the opportunity to administer the state to bring about more comprehensive change, particularly in terms of people’s welfare and clean governance.

He said that Johor needs a state government that is aligned with the Federal Government so that development agendas and assistance to the people can be implemented more effectively.

The Prime Minister said that although Johor has received many development projects worth billions of ringgit, there are still basic people’s issues that need attention, including housing, roads, mosques, surau, places of worship, and assistance to those in need.

“Development has increased, billions of ringgit, but people’s houses are expensive. This is the state’s responsibility. The state did not do it. Johor is a wealthy state. We do not want only a few people to become rich, while the majority of the people are still poor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar also defended PH’s cooperation with DAP by emphasising that throughout his leadership of the government, DAP representatives in the Cabinet have never opposed programmes related to Malays and Islam.

“I have been Prime Minister for three and a half years, not once has a DAP Cabinet member opposed programmes for Malays or Islam. You can check the record,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also expressed being touched by the reception of PH supporters in Senggarang, which he described as extraordinary, for being willing to wait in the hot weather to attend the programme.

“Senggarang’s spirit is extraordinary. Even in the heat, they can still wait. Rarely do I give a speech where people are so passionate in the heat, it is truly extraordinary,” he said, while urging voters in the Senggarang, Rengit, and Penggaram areas to give full support to PH candidates in this state election.

The 16th Johor State Election sees 172 candidates contesting for 56 DUN seats, with polling day set on 11 July, while early voting is on 7 July.

Bernama