KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned leaders of bumiputera agencies handling public funds to exercise good governance and efficient business management to prevent both financial losses and the transfer of ownership to other parties.
He said the distressing episode involving Felda's company, necessitating an RM8.3 billion government bailout, should serve as a valuable lesson for all.
"This experience is very painful. We see how Felda required a bailout of RM8.3 billion due to its mismanagement and weak governance.
"Most recently, we also have a company that needs an additional injection of more than RM2 billion from the government to be saved from falling into the hands of bumiputera," he said, after launching an additional 1 billion unit for Amanah Hartanah Bumiputera Scheme at Connexion Conference and Event Centre, Bangsar on Tuesday.
Anwar was firm when he said that those who failed to fulfil their responsibilities in managing these bumiputera agencies would face action.
He said some individuals entrusted with responsibilities forgot their duties, while others failed to understand the objectives of the agencies they were accountable to.
"We cannot allow this situation to persist (losses due to mismanagement).
"Accountable and professional management must be held fully responsible in cases of misuse and misconduct of power.
"Stringent actions will be taken against them because this not only betrays the trust of the public but also the high expectations of the bumiputera community," he said.
Anwar also criticised those who belittle him for consistently emphasising the need to conduct affairs with proper governance and to steer clear of corruption, labelling them as ignorant.
"Some will belittle. They say Anwar's speech about governance and corruption never ends.
"These people are ignorant.
"They are blind to the history that the funds and resources meant for bumiputera have been misappropriated, reaching tens of billions that should have benefited our children, students in need of assistance, and underprivileged children whose school facilities need improvement.
"All of this had to be postponed solely due to the betrayal of those entrusted," he said.
Earlier Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB) announced the issuance of 1 billion additional units for AHB Scheme.
These additional funds allow the Bumiputera to save and invest especially as part of their retirement plan.
Those interested in subscribing to AHB units can visit any PHB's authorised distributors such as Maybank, Ambank, Ambank Islamic and Bank Islam.
The minimum investment required is RM100 for each individual while the limit for maximum investment has been increased from RM500,000 is RM1 million.
Maybank customers can also subscribe via Maybank2u website or myAHB mobile application.