KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the downfall of a nation is not caused by helping the poor but rather by corruption, embezzlement, and envy.
Anwar, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, stated that initiatives to introduce progressive wages and higher salaries are crucial steps to improving the living standards of low-income groups.
“I am confident that no nation in history, from ancient times to the present, has collapsed because of helping the poor,” he said during the inauguration of the 73rd Annual General Assembly (MPAT) of the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) at the World Trade Centre (WTC) on Friday.
Present at the event were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim, along with former youth leaders, youth activists, and MBM strategic partners.
“Focus on the people’s problems”
Anwar criticized those who divert public attention by exaggerating trivial issues in defense of corruption.
“Focus on the people’s issues. Many are still struggling, the quality of education remains inadequate, and children in rural and remote areas lack proper support. Stop defending corruption,” he stressed.
He also denounced certain parties who use the name of Malays and Islam to justify corrupt practices.
“They accuse me of being vengeful, but what vengeance is there if I am only trying to return billions of stolen funds to the people?” he said firmly.
The MPAT MBM assembly is being held from January 9 to 11, with 399 delegates from across the country participating.
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