PUTRAJAYA: There is little room for sympathy when it comes to the corrupt, especially those who misappropriate public money, says the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the launch of National Wakaf Month 2025 here yesterday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned politicians and the elite who exploit public resources for personal gain.
He said the government cannot allow billions to be stolen while low-income earners hope for small salary increments.
“People are expecting just RM100 in their salary schemes for the year, yet billions are being siphoned off. When action is taken, we hear all sorts of excuses and pleas for sympathy.
“I have little sympathy for these people because when we think about Islam, it (corruption) doesn’t reflect Islamic teachings,” he said in his speech at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.
Anwar stressed that public funds must be protected, not misused, and warned that those who attempt to defend corruption will not receive any sympathy.
He said his administration will not tolerate such injustices, especially when the wealthy continue to thrive on illicit gains while the poor are asked to contribute to public funds through wakaf (endowment) and donations.
Anwar highlighted the need for strict financial governance to ensure that public funds, including those allocated for wakaf, serve their intended purpose rather than enriching a select few.
He said some politicians and business figures use political or economic justifications to defend corruption, but these arguments are no longer acceptable.
“How can we ask those earning RM3,000 a month to donate RM100 for wakaf while allowing others to rob the nation of hundreds of millions? This system must be corrected,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to clean governance, Anwar said in his two years as prime minister, he has not allowed direct negotiations for government projects, ensuring all approvals follow due process under the Finance Ministry.
“I will not approve anything that violates governance principles because allowing mismanagement would strip wakaf of its true meaning and spirit,” he said.
He also criticised past financial scandals, including multi-billion-ringgit procurement deals that resulted in abandoned assets and massive public losses.
“Do not think that just because you hold a high position, you are immune. I will not allow corruption to destroy this country,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Anwar said to strengthen education endowment efforts, the government is providing RM30mil for MyWaqafPTPTN, an initiative jointly managed by Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia (YWM) and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).
He announced the allocation at the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s wakaf ecosystem.
In addition to the education endowment, RM5mil has been allocated for the initial formation of Permodalan Wakaf Nasional Bhd (National Wakaf Investment Entity).
The MyWaqafPTPTN programme, established through a memorandum of agreement between PTPTN and YWM, is expected to enhance higher education accessibility through wakaf-based scholarships and funding.
