THE prime minister can helm the Finance Ministry as he doesn’t abuse the power, Anwar Ibrahim told parliament today.

He said problems only arise when people misuse their positions to enrich themselves.

“In our history, combining them (the positions of prime minister and finance minister) is not a problem.

“The problem is using the positions to rob the people of their wealth, and this applies in many circles,” the Tambun MP said.

Anwar was responding to Radzi Jidin (Putrajaya-PN), who asked if the prime minister’s helming of the finance portfolio can lead to financial scandals as it did during the Najib Razak administration.

During the administration of Najib, who is now incarcerated for corruption and abuse of power, he held both positions, which caused huge financial scandals including the 1Malaysia Development Bhd saga.

Anwar said his unity government will use all its effort to curb corruption in the country.

“Those who are clean, whether they are seated here (on the government side) or there (in the opposition bench), don’t worry.

“Those who are involved in corruption should be worried because no matter what is done, I am determined to use all my efforts to get rid of corruption,” he said.

Anwar, who took the finance portfolio, said there were financial scandals under the Perikatan Nasional administration as well, not just the Barisan Nasional administration.

“During the PN administration, there were scandals such as flood mitigation projects and others. There are some other leakages that are also being investigated.

“Let the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and enforcement agencies conduct their investigations.

“Whether there is any legal repercussion later, that is for the attorney-general to decide.

“Be patient, maybe there will be some good news soon for the people,” he said. – February 14, 2023.