Anwar questions Opposition priorities: ‘No salary, they’re angry; those who steal, they don’t mention’

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently expressed frustration with the federal Opposition's priorities, criticizing their focus on his refusal to draw a prime ministerial salary while ignoring those involved in alleged financial misconduct. In a speech to Universiti Teknologi MARA alumni and students, Anwar said he had been questioned by Opposition MPs about his decision not to accept his salary as prime minister and their suggestion that even Prophet Muhammad received wages.

However, Anwar noted he had never heard that the Prophet took a salary and stated he did not fall under the B40 category, as he receives additional allowances, a government-provided vehicle, accommodation, and flights. Anwar questioned why the Opposition chose to focus on his salary issue rather than addressing the concerns of those who "sakau," or steal, large sums of money.

He drew laughter from the audience with his remarks. In a previous incident, Anwar used the word "sakau" in reference to alleged financial mismanagement at the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) fund, which was examined by a Royal Commission of Inquiry from 2014 to 2020.