Anwar: Public Office Must Serve the Nation, Not Personal or Family Interests
TAMPIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening integrity in public administration, stressing that positions of public trust must never be exploited for personal enrichment or the benefit of family members.
Speaking at the Semarak Kenegaraan programme at Kem Syed Sirajuddin, Anwar said those entrusted with public responsibilities have a duty to uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability and good governance to ensure that public resources are managed for the benefit of the people.
He emphasised that holding public office is a responsibility rather than a privilege, adding that the true purpose of government service is to deliver lasting benefits to the nation through transparent and ethical administration.
To illustrate the consequences of poor governance, the Prime Minister cited the financial challenges faced by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), which he said is burdened with losses approaching RM10 billion.
According to Anwar, the situation reflects failures in leadership and breaches of public trust rather than shortcomings on the part of Felda settlers.
He noted that when he assumed office as Prime Minister, he was informed of Felda’s substantial debt position, describing it as a factual financial issue rather than a political argument.
Anwar said Felda had previously been recognised as one of the world’s leading plantation organisations, generating billions of ringgit in annual profits that benefited settlers and their families.
However, he said the agency’s performance deteriorated significantly about seven or eight years ago following changes in management and what he described as excessive political interference.
The Prime Minister argued that these developments transformed a once-profitable organisation into one facing heavy financial losses, despite the continued efforts of settlers working on the ground.
He said the experience demonstrates the importance of competent leadership, institutional accountability and responsible governance in protecting public assets and national institutions.
Anwar urged public officials to remain mindful of the trust placed in them, warning that abuse of authority ultimately undermines public confidence and weakens institutions established to serve the rakyat.
During the same programme, the Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
He said he had personally inspected the construction of 1,300 Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) units at Kem Syed Sirajuddin to ensure the project was progressing according to schedule.
The housing project forms part of a broader RM844 million allocation announced under this year’s national Budget for military accommodation initiatives.
The funding covers the construction of new RKAT units as well as the upgrading of existing military housing facilities nationwide.
Anwar said improving living conditions for serving personnel and veterans remains a government priority in recognition of their contribution to safeguarding Malaysia’s peace, security and stability.
The Prime Minister added that investments in military welfare and public institutions reflect the government’s broader commitment to responsible governance, accountability and ensuring that national development ultimately benefits the people.
