Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 2019 asset declaration has been misrepresented in an attempt to spread false claims about his wealth, according to his political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi. Farhan dismissed these allegations as baseless, describing them as an attempt to damage Anwar’s credibility through defamation.
He explained that the asset declaration, submitted to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on March 7, 2019, was part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s initiative to promote accountability among Cabinet members and Members of Parliament (MPs). Anwar’s declaration outlined assets valued at RM10.7 million, accompanied by clear documentation of their legal acquisition.
“These assets were obtained through legitimate means, supported by proper agreements and financial records. At the time of submission, the declaration was transparent and did not raise any issues,” Farhan said in a statement.
Farhan highlighted that Anwar’s declared assets were modest compared to several other political leaders of the same administration. For instance, Datuk Dr. R. Santhara Kumar disclosed assets amounting to RM132.1 million, while Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham declared RM77 million. Even then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad listed RM32.3 million in assets, with several other senior leaders declaring amounts significantly higher than Anwar’s.
He argued that the claims branding Anwar as the “17th richest leader in the world” were illogical. “This accusation is both absurd and unfounded. Anwar’s declared wealth doesn’t even place him among Malaysia’s wealthiest leaders. It’s an irresponsible act of defamation aimed at undermining his reputation,” he added.
Farhan warned against the dangers of spreading unverified information, emphasizing that such actions not only harm individuals but also weaken public trust in political institutions. He stressed that democratic critique should focus on policies and governance rather than resorting to personal attacks.
“Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it must center on policies, not false narratives about personal wealth. Such baseless claims serve no public benefit and only create a toxic political environment,” he said.
Calling for maturity in political engagement, Farhan urged leaders, particularly those from Islamic parties, to demonstrate responsible conduct and engage in meaningful discourse. He also praised Anwar’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with state governments, including those led by opposition parties, to enhance cooperation for the people’s welfare.
“Strong collaboration between federal and state governments is crucial for public service delivery. However, this unity depends on trust, which can be eroded by defamatory and immature political tactics,” he noted.
Farhan concluded by emphasizing the importance of ethical political practices in fostering national development. He urged all political actors to prioritize the well-being of the nation and focus on advancing Malaysia’s progress through constructive dialogue.
His statement refutes the false claims surrounding Anwar’s assets, calling for fact-based discussions and rejecting divisive political strategies.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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