Anwar warns of wealthy elites trying to influence world media and local politics

2026-03-07 - 12:54

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia must remain firm in tackling graft and could not afford to ‘repeat past mistakes’. (Bernama pic) KULIM: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today accused Malaysian elites of corruptly using their wealth to exert influence on international media, online narratives and local politics, even as his administration takes steps to combat graft. Speaking at an iftar event in Kulim, he said he was not referring only to the opposition, but to “everyone”. “Those with vast wealth have influence, which is what we’re seeing now,” he said. “This is why we need to be vigilant. Do not allow ourselves to be trapped and used as tools. No matter how much we differ in our views, this country remains ours, and we must protect it from foreign schemes and conspiracies.” Anwar said Malaysia must remain firm in tackling graft and could not afford to “repeat past mistakes”, adding that this was why his administration had seized RM15.5 billion in illicit proceeds over the past two years. “This has been unpopular because our actions have not affected ordinary people, but powerful people with vast financial resources able to influence international media, social media and politicians,” he said. He did not identify who these powerful people were. However, his comments come in the wake of a recent police statement on an investigation into claims of an attempt by unnamed persons to overthrow the government and threaten national stability. The same day, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it was tracking down four children of the late Daim Zainuddin – daughter Asnida and sons Amir, Amin and Wira Dani – but provided no further details. A lawyer for Daim’s widow Naimah Khalid later rejected claims that she had been attempting to topple the government, describing the allegation as “the mother of all lies”.