Anwar Ibrahim pledges strict action against government fund misuse

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that officials and agencies found misusing government funds will face arrest and prosecution. Speaking at the National Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival in Selangor, Anwar emphasized that entrepreneurship financing agencies, including TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat, and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, must ensure funds reach deserving recipients without leakage or corruption.

Anwar stated that the government’s ability to increase welfare allocations is driven by efficient financial management. He noted that RM16 billion is allocated for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programs, while RM18 billion was dedicated to a 15 percent civil servant salary increase. He argued that national instability stems from leadership misconduct and poor governance rather than spending on social welfare.

During a separate event in Kelantan, the Prime Minister also announced several regional initiatives. These include RM2.5 million for dialysis facilities in selected mosques, RM6.62 million for the infrastructure of Islamic educational institutions, and RM200 million to support the development of pondok institutions. He suggested integrating technology and artificial intelligence into pondok curricula through cooperation with MDEC.