The Malaysian Insight

ANWAR Ibrahim’s warning that corruption is seeping into Pakatan Harapan has been welcomed by pact leaders as a timely reminder for it to hold fast to one of its founding ideals.

Some also urged the PKR president, who is expected to take over from Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister, to lodge reports if he has proof of PH leaders living beyond their means.

Bersatu supreme council member Dr Muhammad Faiz Na’aman said PH was voted into power on its promise to, among others, stamp out corruption, which was endemic in the former Barisan Nasional administration.

“It’s like what Dr Mahathir said – we must not only be clean, but be seen to be clean,” said Faiz, who also heads the Youth wing’s integrity bureau.

He admitted that there have been instances where PH elected representatives gave the impression that their lifestyle has changed after the 14th general election.

“Anwar has a point, but he should not generalise and say everyone in PH is like that. I have seen some instances where it happened.

“A leader was photographed at a golf club. He may have been there for an official function, but the sight of it can give the wrong impression to voters because he comes from a humble background,” said Faiz, adding that in the public’s view, PH leaders should lead modest, humble lives, like how they did when the pact was the opposition.

“I think it is a reminder for all of us, especially those holding public office, to be mindful of our lifestyle, our behaviour, because we don’t want to turn into BN.

“BN politicians are notorious for showing off to the public that politics is a way to get rich.”

The two top individuals in the previous BN government – former prime minister Najib Razak and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – are being tried in court over more than 40 charges each, related to criminal breach of trust, fraud, money-laundering and corruption.

Putrajaya has also filed civil forfeiture suits against Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, involving RM711 million in jewellery, handbags, watches and other items.

Two days ago, Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said there are signs that corruption has begun creeping into PH.

He said the PH leadership is now surrounded by “certain groups” attempting to weaken the pact.

“There are now seeds of corruption in PH, not just BN. Some have been living and spending extraordinarily not long after taking positions of power.”

While he agrees with Anwar’s remarks, Amanah Youth chief Mohd Sany Hamzan said it is not fair to judge PH leaders solely based on the cars they drive and the houses they own.

“Some PH leaders were already successful corporate figures before they got into politics. So, their assets reflect that success. What matters is that when they enter public office, they do not use their positions to enrich themselves and steal from public coffers.”

The Taman Templer assemblyman urged those who suspect elected reps of living beyond their means to lodge reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police.

Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar echoed Sany’s call, saying Anwar should lodge reports against PH leaders suspected of corruption.

“We don’t want these elements to grow until someone steals money. We want to prevent this plague from entering PH.

“It is better for MACC to prevent this from happening rather than take action only after money is stolen,” said the deputy human resources minister. – May 18, 2019.