JUST like the reforms promised, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s anti-corruption rhetoric seems to focus only on billions – not millions.
When Anwar talks about billions lost in corruption scandals, the spotlight almost always falls on his political enemies – never on those close to his Madani government nor on the millions involved in the Sabah mining scandal.
By framing corruption in terms of billions, Anwar conveniently sidesteps individuals aligned with his administration. The narrative selectively targets political rivals, giving the impression that corruption only matters when it involves enemies of the government.
Take the case of former prime minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob. As long as he returned more than RM170 mil to the government, no charges were brought against him.
This sets a dangerous precedent: corruption becomes pardonable if the ill-gotten wealth is returned. By this logic, Anwar’s government implicitly condones corruption as long as restitution is made.
So what kind of moral or ethical crusade is Anwar really engaging in? His approach appears less about justice and more about populist politics.
Why silence on Sabah?
His repeated references to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s alleged hidden foreign assets illustrate a vindictive streak – using corruption charges as a tool for political revenge.
Meanwhile, he heaps praises at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) while granting its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki three extensions yet denied the exemplary former chief justice Tengku Maimun a single extension.
The message is clear: institutions are preserved when they serve Anwar’s political needs.
Just as he desires a subservient judiciary, Anwar seems intent on shaping the MACC into a political weapon for selective prosecution.
This explains the agency’s lethargy in pursuing the Sabah mining scandal. Is it due to lack of evidence – or protection of those within the federal government?
Is the MACC being used to coerce political parties into bolstering Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) foothold in Sabah with GRS playing handmaiden to the Madani government?
Anwar’s ceaseless declarations about eradicating corruption ring hollow. They are political, vindictive and selective.
As the Malay proverb goes: Anwar can see the bug across the river but not the elephant in front of his eyes. – Oct 3, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
