Country cannot tolerate corruption, plundering of national wealth, says Anwar

BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government respects the Federal Constitution and the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's case.

He said this did not prevent him from offering views and advice based on jurisprudence, the law and the nation's interests.

He said the government's position was clear that the country could not tolerate corruption or the act of taking national wealth for personal gain.

"When we discuss the controversy surrounding Najib's case, I abide by the spirit of the Federal Constitution, but this does not prevent a prime minister from giving views and advice based on jurisprudence and the law.

"What do we want to convey? This country cannot tolerate corruption and the practice of plundering national wealth," he said at the 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner: Continuing the Legacy of the Struggle here today.

Anwar also referred to several issues involving institutions that had previously drawn public attention, including Lembaga Tabung Haji, the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), while saying those responsible for taking the nation's wealth must bear full responsibility.

"Tabung Haji, Felda, 1MDB, people who plundered wealth must answer for it. So whatever the decision, it should not deviate from saving our country," he said.

Najib, 73, has been serving his prison sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

On Sept 18, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine and compliance with the conditions imposed.