by VEISHNAWI NEHRU

THE government usually falls because of corruption and bribery, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture). 

He said it is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes where leaders misuse wealth that does not belong to them. 

“Although challenges exist, we are grateful because apart from certain issues, we have achieved significant progress. Semiconductor companies like Infineon, the largest investment in Malaysia, AWS, Google, and Microsoft have chosen Malaysia. 

“DHL also made Malaysia the first automation centre for logistics this year, and NVIDIA, the largest artificial intelligence (AI) company, selected Malaysia as a main AI hub. 

“This is a major achievement, and our responsibility is to ensure the country’s political stability, transparency and effectiveness,” he said during the launch of the Residensi Madani Putrajaya at Tapak Residensi Sentral on Monday. 

Besides, Anwar said corruption has become systemic, and eliminating it is not easy; it requires firm, strict, and consistent actions. 

“We need clear authorities at every level to monitor and enforce. Only with such measures can we reduce corruption and related costs. If we control this, costs will decrease, benefitting the people. 

“I hope everyone cooperates in promoting good governance and addressing corruption,” he said.  

Anwar added that corruption is not just an issue for civil servants and politicians but also affects entrepreneurs and business people. 

“Today’s experience should make us wiser, and I hope that local governments across the country will expedite this process,” he stressed. 

Moreover, he explained that for housing, the government aims to reach a target of 400,000 affordable homes in 20 years, though many doubted it could be done. 

“It’s often challenging to build these homes without commission fees, but when it comes to luxury housing, protests are rare. 

“However, when it comes to luxury housing, there is less opposition. But when we build affordable homes for the people, there are various objections,” he commented. 

Anwar said within the framework of success and trust, important issues include healthcare education, a centre for small businesses for lower-income groups and housing. 

“For me, housing is a mega project; it is essential for the people. Housing is mega for them and their families. Small stalls, food stalls, and small restaurants are also mega for them. Schools, healthcare and good clinics, those are mega for them, too,” he stressed.  

Earlier, Anwar launched seven Residensi Madani projects in Putrajaya, each priced at RM200,000. A total of 4,000 Residensi Madani Putrajaya units are expected to be completed by 2028. 

The Residensi Madani projects are located in Precincts 5, 7, 11, 16, and 19 of Putrajaya, namely Residensi Madani Sentral, Serunai, Cemara, Cengkih, Cempaka, Mawar, and Melur.