‘Go after the big sharks before the small fry’: Govt targets eliminating corruption and abuse of power within two to three years, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — The government is aiming to eradicate abuse of power and corruption within the next two to three years, with a strong focus on “big sharks” or high-profile offenders.

Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the commitment requires firm action against anyone involved, including ministers, chief secretaries, director-generals, or even retired officials.

“I think that within two or three years, we must clean up the mess. The message is clear: if misconduct is detected, we will take action. Not today, then tomorrow; not tomorrow, then next year. Even if you have retired, if evidence from your time in office is found, we will pursue you,” he said at the Madani Malaysian Intellectuals Forum (FIM) Series 8 on “Integrity and National Leadership: Commitment and Holistic and Systemic Reform.”

Anwar acknowledged that tackling corruption involving high-profile individuals is more challenging, as these “big sharks” possess wealth and influence across media and political spheres. Nonetheless, he stressed that action against “ikan bilis,” or lower-level offenders, will not be ignored.

“My priority to the MACC is to go after the big sharks first. But that doesn’t mean we let the ikan bilis roam free until they grow too big,” he added.

He also criticised Members of Parliament who stay silent or defend those involved in corruption, despite evidence of billions in illicit wealth.

“My past — imprisonment, being beaten, humiliated — that’s not an issue. I can forgive that. But stealing the nation’s wealth, billions of ringgit, is hypocrisy that cannot be forgiven. If there is evidence, let the MACC investigate and the courts decide. My duty is to ensure the stolen billions are returned to the people,” he said.

Anwar emphasised that institutional reforms must be carried out thoroughly and grounded in values, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility.

The forum, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and held at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, featured panelists including Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, IIM CEO Datuk Ahmad Ramdzan Daud, and UKM’s Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Embong. It served as a platform to discuss systemic reforms to strengthen integrity and governance under the Malaysia MADANI framework. — Bernama