PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to press ahead with action against corruption and the misuse of public funds, declaring that those demanding his silence should find another Prime Minister.
He said efforts to tackle financial misconduct had drawn anger and criticism, but he would not turn a blind eye while ordinary Malaysians struggled to make ends meet.
“Some agree, many are angry. I have been reviled and cursed for taking action. But how can we just let it happen?
“Brothers and sisters, earning RM100 a day is a struggle. You have to work and leave your family behind. Then some people can casually take billions, and you want me to turn a blind eye? No.
“If people want me to stay silent, find another Prime Minister. I cannot bear to let this deception continue,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of special financial assistance for taxi, rental car and school bus drivers at the Transport Ministry in Putrajaya on Wednesday.
Anwar cited the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and issues involving Tabung Haji and FELDA as matters that required corrective action, stressing that the country must not remain burdened by financial misconduct and abuse of power.
He said the government must also prioritise essential services, including education, healthcare and welfare, while ensuring that national resources benefited the people.
Anwar said Malaysia needed leaders who understood the financial pressures facing low-income earners and workers, rather than those who exploited public office for personal gain.
He highlighted the struggles of farmers, fishermen and taxi drivers, as well as the need to ensure schoolchildren could afford books, university students had enough to eat and lower-paid civil servants could support their families.
“The country needs leaders who are committed to delivering on their vision, not those who talk a lot, but those who understand the struggles of taxi drivers, farmers and fishermen, whether schoolchildren can afford their books, and whether university students have enough to eat.
“These are all things we, as leaders, must think about. We need to come up with various plans, and that is no easy task,” he said.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Anwar said taxi drivers played an important role in supporting the economy and tourism industry, adding that the majority earned an honest living and deserved recognition and assistance.
He said action should be taken against those who committed offences where there was evidence, but warned against condemning the entire profession.
“We should not condemn them all, because the majority work sincerely and earn an honest living. We must support and appreciate them,” he said.
The MADANI Government would continue to explore ways to ease the financial burden on lower-income groups, including through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance programmes, he added.
Recalling the support he received from taxi drivers during the Reformasi movement in 1998, when he was arrested and imprisoned, Anwar said he had not forgotten their solidarity.
“When I was going through difficult times, when I was kicked, beaten and detained, these were the people who helped me. Now that I am Prime Minister, how could I say no to taxi drivers asking for RM1,000?” he said.
The inaugural assistance handover saw 500 taxi, rental car and school bus drivers from the Central Zone receive the aid.
Anwar also pointed to the unity among Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds, saying taxi drivers could work together and raise shared concerns regardless of race.
“This country is great. Look at taxi drivers — Malays, Chinese and Indians can sit together and raise their problems together.
“Why should we allow those who are destroying us to determine our future?” he said. - October 15, 2026