Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says government’s extraordinary effort against cartels and smuggling aims to save country after decades of neglect
BANGI: The government’s all-out war against cartels and smuggling represents an extraordinary effort to save the nation and its people, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stated that cartels and smuggling have persisted for decades but were previously left unchecked due to lack of capability and political will.
He expressed appreciation to enforcement agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Inland Revenue Board, and Royal Malaysia Police for advancing the government’s resolve.
“This commitment carries great risks for MACC, LHDN, and PDRM as cartels have become deeply entrenched,” Anwar said when officiating the International Malaysian Higher Education Institutions Islamic Studies Convention 2025.
“The measures we have taken are extraordinary after decades of neglect where tens of billions of ringgit have been lost.”
Anwar reproached opposition MPs for remaining completely silent about enforcement agencies’ success in dismantling cartels and tackling smuggling.
“I am grateful to MACC and the police for carrying out their duties to protect our country,” he added.
The Prime Minister cited examples of containers moving in and out of ports with smuggled goods during parliamentary debates.
Previous enforcement measures successfully restored national revenues totalling RM15.5 billion over two years, demonstrating the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption and cartel activities.
Meanwhile, Anwar called on Islamic studies students to leverage artificial intelligence as a new approach to strengthening the propagation of Islam.
He suggested students should have specialised fields of study while embracing multidisciplinary programmes including AI technology.
The convention brings together scholars and academic leaders to advance Islamic studies in Malaysia grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and unity.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. – Bernama
