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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that the government will not introduce new taxes until Malaysia addresses chronic financial mismanagement and seals ongoing revenue leakages.
Speaking at the Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Knowledge Forum 2025 on Tuesday, Anwar — who also holds the Finance Ministry portfolio — stressed that transparency, integrity, and good governance must be firmly established before asking the public to shoulder additional fiscal burdens.
“Why should we impose taxes when the revenue collected so far has not been spent well? Why should we assume that the revenue collected has been spent perfectly and without leakage?” he said.
Anwar argued that any tax policy must be anchored in moral accountability, noting that without a credible commitment to clean financial management, public trust cannot be expected.
He revealed that RM15.5 billion in public funds had been recovered over the past two years, largely through enforcement against smuggling syndicates and financial misconduct — a figure he said demonstrated the extent of previous misappropriation.
“The surprising matter is that there are still parties, including the opposition bloc, who disparage the government's efforts to curb corruption and misappropriation,” he said, lamenting the lack of bipartisan support in Parliament for anti-corruption initiatives.
Anwar also criticised past leadership and systemic silence over endemic abuse of power, which he claimed had left Malaysia saddled with unnecessary debt and weakened institutions.
“Before the government considers any new taxation measures, the main priority must be to fix the administrative system and ensure that every ringgit of the people's money is spent with full accountability,” he stated.
Trade and Security Matters on the table with Trump
Turning to foreign affairs, Anwar confirmed that trade and security matters — including the ongoing situation in Gaza — would be discussed in an upcoming closed-door meeting with United States President Donald Trump.
He said Trump had shown strong support in previous communications and played a “major role” in halting airstrikes in Gaza.
“We had exchanges, phone calls twice. He has been extremely cordial, very supportive, and listens quite well,” said Anwar.
“I want to make use of this opportunity to protect Malaysia's trade and investment interests, but also to express my views on what I think will be good for Malaysia, the US, and the world.
“This includes issues affecting Palestine. Whatever reservations you may have, you must commend the fact that Trump did a major service in stopping illicit bombings in Gaza,” he added. - October 21, 2025