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PETALING JAYA: Data from Anwar Ibrahim’s asset declaration has been misused by irresponsible parties, according to the prime minister’s political secretary Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.
He said this asset declaration was made to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on March 7, 2019, Bernama reported him as saying.
Farhan said this information was used to spread the baseless accusation that Anwar is “the 17th richest leader in the world”, implying that his wealth was obtained illegally.
He said this declaration was part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s initiative to ensure transparency among Cabinet members and MPs.
“At the time, this declaration did not raise any issues because it was accompanied by a detailed explanation of how the assets were acquired.
“The majority of the asset value is based on current property estimates.
“These assets were acquired legally and can be proven through sale and purchase documents and legitimate financial records,” he said in a statement today.
Farhan said Anwar’s asset declaration of RM10.7 million was not an issue as many PH Cabinet members and MPs had much higher asset values.
He said they included R Santhara Kumar (former Segamat MP) with RM132.1 million and Ngeh Koo Ham (Beruas MP) with RM77 million.
The other dignitaries included then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad with RM32.3 million, Mukhriz Mahathir (RM25.1 million), Redzuan Yusof (RM23 million), Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad (RM15.3 million) and Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh MP, with RM14.3 million).
“Logically, the accusation that Anwar is the 17th richest leader in the world is absurd.
“Compared to other leaders in Malaysia, Anwar’s asset value is not among the highest.
“How could he be listed as one of the world’s richest leaders?
“The spreading of these unfounded accusations is a classic example of defamation that can damage an individual’s credibility without legitimate proof.
“In Islam, slander is a grave sin,” he said.
Farhan noted that spreading information without investigating its truth not only tarnished an individual’s reputation but also eroded public trust in the political system and national institutions.
He said political differences were normal but should be approached maturely.
“Personal attacks, especially through spreading defamation, are irresponsible actions that offer no benefit to the people.
“Criticism of leaders is allowed in a democracy, but it should focus on the policies introduced, not personal attacks or baseless accusations.
“For example, if there are those who disagree with the economic policies introduced by the prime minister, it should be discussed factually and academically, not by creating false narratives about his personal wealth.”
He added that in the effort to develop the country, mature politics is an urgent necessity and political party leaders, especially from Islamic parties, must set a better example.
Farhan said Anwar is actively working to foster good relations with all state governments.
He said such efforts could be disrupted if there are elements of defamation and immature politics trying to undermine unity, as cooperation between the federal and state governments requires trust.