Certain parties uneasy over my firm anti-corruption stance, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today claimed that certain political parties are joining forces to bring him down because his administration has taken a firm stance against corruption and abuse of power.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said his government’s uncompromising approach towards those who steal public funds or abuse their positions for personal gain has made certain quarters uneasy, Bernama reported.

“That is why, as you can see now, these parties are joining forces to bring me down. Why? Because they know we are strict. They know we safeguard everything,” he was quoted as saying at a programme in Baru Pahat in conjunction with the Johor state election.

Anwar said he was not intimidated by political pressure, stressing that his administration’s guiding principle is to ensure that leaders do not abuse their power to acquire land, secure projects, obtain shares, or accumulate personal wealth.

Anwar also urged Johor voters to give PH the opportunity to govern the state to bring about more comprehensive change, particularly in improving public welfare and ensuring clean governance.

He said Johor should have a state government aligned with the federal government so that development initiatives and assistance programmes for the people can be implemented more effectively.

The prime minister said that although Johor has received billions of ringgit worth of development projects, there are still fundamental issues affecting the people that need attention, including housing, welfare, infrastructure and places of worship.

The Johor state election is taking place on July 11, while early voting is on July 7.