14/10/2025

TUESDAY | OCT 14, 2025

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Youth urged to stand firm against corruption

RM21b housing loans approved for B40, M40 groups KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 90,779 housing loan applications worth RM21.5 billion have been approved under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme to support home ownership among the B40 and M40 income groups, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said of the approved applications, 89.56% involved young Malaysians aged 40 and below. “This includes around 15,000 borrowers aged between 18 and 25, about 31,000 borrowers aged between 26 and 30, a total of 22,356 borrowers aged between 31 and 35, and 12,799 borrowers aged between 36 and 40,” she said in reply to Azli Yusof (PH–Shah Alam), who asked about government initiatives to help individuals without fixed income to own homes. Aiman Athirah said under the recently tabled Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an expansion of the scheme with an additional RM20 billion in guarantees. “This is good news for the people, especially once the budget receives parliamentary approval,” she added. In his budget speech last Friday, Anwar announced that the scheme would be expanded to offer guarantees for another 80,000 first-time home buyers. The overall guarantee ceiling would be raised from RM10 billion to RM20 billion, a move expected to benefit more gig workers and self-employed individuals. Separately, Aiman said the government is implementing several other initiatives to assist low-income earners in owning homes, including rent-to-own schemes under the People’s Housing Project and the People’s Residency Programme, both overseen by the Housing and Local Government Ministry. – Bernama HODs permitted to grant WFH requests as Asean Summit nears PUTRAJAYA: Heads of departments (HODs) have been authorised to approve work-from-home (WFH) requests from civil servants living within a 25km radius of their offices, particularly those expected to face traffic congestion during the Asean Summit later this month. The Public Service Department in a statement yesterday said the measure aligns with the Madani government’s commitment to resilient and compassionate governance, in line with its core values of wellbeing, empathy and efficient public service delivery. “Eligible civil servants are encouraged to consult with their respective HODs for appropriate consideration. The implementation of this policy, however, must be based on existing procedures and conditions outlined in current regulations.” The 47th Asean Summit and related meetings, scheduled from Oct 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, are expected to be among the largest ever hosted by the regional bloc. The department added that the WFH policy for public servants would continue to be applied flexibly, subject to current regulations. “This policy, as provided under the Human Resource Service Circular SR.4.1.2, aims to strike a balance between the operational needs of government agencies and the wellbeing of civil servants, particularly in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.” – Bernama

opposition lawmakers for “defending the rich under the guise of populism”. Anwar said reforms to the RON95 fuel subsidy has saved another RM2.5 billion, keeping prices low for Malaysians while requiring foreigners to pay slightly more. He said the government’s cleanup efforts and recovered funds would also support a free education initiative, starting with full tuition coverage for the poorest families next year. “Because of these recoveries, I am able to start something close to my heart: education should be free. “From next year, the very poor in this country would get free university education. If God wills it, as the economy strengthens, we would gradually expand it.” At the same event, Anwar said he would contact Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the coming days to discuss facilitating Malaysia’s humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza via land through the Rafah crossing. He said the proposal is part of efforts to ensure safe passage for the Malaysian contingent under the Sumud Nusantara mission, which is working with regional partners to deliver relief to Palestinians affected by the devastation in Gaza. “We appreciate el-Sisi, Qatar, Egypt and all countries that supported the peace initiative. “Now that there is calm, we hope access would be granted for our contingent. “I hope to communicate with el-Sisi in the next few days to suggest allowing our contingent to go via Egypt to Rafah and continue to assist.”

o Govt has recovered RM15.5 billion in funds linked to corrupt syndicates, smugglers, cartels and middlemen: PM

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

on the youth.” He said Budget 2026 would continue to focus on fair growth, inclusivity and justice, rather than mere economic expansion. “The country must grow, attracting both foreign and domestic investment. But growth alone is not enough. “We must ask, ‘Growth for whom?’ How can we call ourselves a developed nation if people still cannot afford food or school uniforms? That is unacceptable.” Anwar said Malaysia has saved billions by reforming subsidies that previously benefitted the wealthy and influential. He cited the rationalisation of chicken and electricity subsidies as examples of targeted policies ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely needed it. “We started this two years ago and we have saved RM1 billion per year while chicken prices remain low. “We do not tax. We withdraw subsidies from the rich, from the cutouts.” He said under the revised electricity tariff, 85% of Malaysians do not pay more while high-consuming industries and wealthy households bear a fairer share. “If you have a house on six acres of land, why must the government subsidise you? You pay. Why is that so difficult?” he said, criticising

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged young Malaysians to take a firm stand against corruption, warning that the nation’s future hinges on their integrity and moral courage. Speaking at the International Young Future Leaders Summit at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC), he urged youth to lead a new culture of accountability and clean governance. “I need the support of the young. You must take the lead and say, ‘no more corruption in this country. No smuggling’ . “Corruption destroys our country. Governance and leadership must be clean. Stop this nonsense.” He revealed that over the past two years, the government has recovered RM15.5 billion in funds linked to corrupt syndicates, smugglers, cartels and middlemen. “That is the corruption, that is the smuggling, that is the cutouts,” he said. “Why do we deal with these people, big tycoons, big players, powerful people? It is not about hundreds of millions. It is billions. “The government takes that money back and spends it on the people, on education and

Anwar vows protection for officials who thwart graft PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged full protection for officials who act firmly against corruption and safeguard national revenue, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen governance and integrity. that allowed revenue losses. “Some who have lived in luxury through subsidies may disagree, but reforms are necessary. “If we could save RM100 billion in 10 years, we could build universities, rural clinics, schools and facilities for persons with disabilities.” Anwar said eliminating corruption not only prevents losses, but also enhances Malaysia’s international standing as a respected nation. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir (left) standing beside Anwar as they attended the “In Conversation with Prime Minister’ programme in conjuction with the summit at WTC. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and enforcement agencies, but to collectively uphold transparent and accountable governance. Anwar commended agencies including the MACC, Inland Revenue Board and police for their intensified enforcement over the past two years which resulted in the government saving billions in funds. He said this was proof of the government’s firm stance against graft. “In 2023, we strengthened enforcement but saw limited progress. By 2024, it became clear, with the RM15.5 billion saved in two years,”he said. He acknowledged that fighting corruption invites resistance, adding that the government remains steadfast to reform outdated systems

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said decisive and immediate action is crucial to free Malaysia from corrupt practices that undermine the economy and people’s wellbeing. “I will defend those who carry out their duties to save the nation. We appreciate their efforts, but enforcement alone is not enough,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Monthly Assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department yesterday. He urged civil servants not to rely solely on the

Separately, he reminded civil servants to serve with honesty and ensure their income is earned through halal and ethical means. “We must nurture determination that stems from confidence in our conscience. “If we desire halal income, we must serve with sincerity.” – Bernama