SUBANG JAYA: Ensuring good governance and eradicating corruption will continue to be the government's top priorities next year, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The aim for 2025 is to ensure that governance issues are addressed because we have been in decline for so long," Anwar told a press conference today.
"Corruption and misappropriation are regarded as normal practices, and this is not only within the government but also in the mindset of the people."
Anwar said some saw corruption as a "small issue" and believed that acquiring extraordinary wealth while in office was acceptable.
"I cannot tolerate this, and it must be corrected. That is why I emphasise good governance because this is the root cause."
Anwar said good governance was key to resolving systemic issues.
He said action must be taken against those in positions of power, be it ministers, secretaries-general, or department heads, who have inexplicable wealth.
Anwar added that good governance must become a culture but acknowledged this would take time.
He said everyone was entitled to their positions and rewards for their service, but this did not mean they could plunder the country's wealth.
"There are those who plunder, knowing their children's and families' wealth is in the billions, yet they preach as if nothing has happened and blame everyone else.
"They talk about saving the Malays and saving Islam. If you want to save the Malays, Islam, and the nation, it must be through proper management of the country.
"So, when you hold power, that power becomes a responsibility and an accountability," he said.