Anwar’s nutmeg story: PM says grandmother’s childhood lesson on theft behind his anti-graft stance

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted a childhood lesson from his grandmother to emphasize his firm stance against corruption in Malaysia. Recalling his primary school days, Anwar explained he took nutmegs from a Chinese farm in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, when he was eight or nine years old. Unbeknownst to him, he had not sought permission to take the nutmegs.

When confronted by his grandmother, she sternly stated that stealing, even a small amount, was wrong and a sin. Anwar vowed to return the nutmegs the same day, despite feeling afraid and running uphill in the dark due to the sound of dogs. He believed this experience taught him the importance of discipline and integrity, which he now advises Malaysia's youth to uphold.

Anwar urged them not to compromise on their values and to reject corruption, even if it means standing against those they trust. Earlier, Anwar criticized those who justify corruption within their own communities, emphasizing that Malaysia possesses the potential to grow further but has lost billions due to embezzlement and theft by entities like 1Malaysia Development Berhad, Lembaga Tabung Haji, and Felda.