PORT DICKSON: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an end to the practice of leaders using their power for personal gain.
He also dismissed allegations that the weekly disclosures of scandals were acts of revenge.
"I want to emphasise that we see new (corruption) scandals every week.
"Some people say Anwar is taking revenge. This is incorrect. We need to put an end to leaders using their power to seek personal wealth," he said in his speech at the 2024 National Wellness Month celebration here today.
Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Anwar said there were significant cases involving individuals who amassed billions but failed to pay their taxes or declare their assets.
"Why should we collect (taxes) from them? To fund education, roads and healthcare.
"If this is not addressed, despite our wealth, the state will remain rich while the people are neglected.
"I am not seeking revenge. I don't like it. I don't like being in prison. I don't like seeing others being imprisoned," he said.
He also commented on project budgeting, saying that if a budget of RM200 million is set, it must be adhered to strictly.
"One should not approve RM200 million or even a billion for a hospital project if the true cost is RM800 million the hospital remains incomplete.
"Can we allow this situation to continue? Because if we save and manage efficiently, we can increase the allocation," he said.