Speaking at an iftar event in Kulim, he said he was not referring only to the opposition, but to “everyone”.
“Those with vast wealth have influence, which is what we’re seeing now,” he said. “This is why we need to be vigilant. Do not allow ourselves to be trapped and used as tools. No matter how much we differ in our views, this country remains ours, and we must protect it from foreign schemes and conspiracies.”
Anwar said Malaysia must remain firm in tackling graft and could not afford to “repeat past mistakes”, adding that this was why his administration had seized RM15.5 billion in illicit proceeds over the past two years.
“This has been unpopular because our actions have not affected ordinary people, but powerful people with vast financial resources who were able to influence international media, social media and politicians,” he said.
He did not identify who these powerful people were. However, his comments come in the wake of a recent police statement on an investigation into claims of an attempt by unnamed persons to overthrow the government and threaten national stability.
The same day, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it was tracking down four children of the late Daim Zainuddin – daughter Asnida and sons Amir, Amin and Wira Dani – but provided no further details.
A lawyer for Daim’s widow Naimah Khalid later rejected claims that she had been attempting to topple the government, describing the allegation as “the mother of all lies”.
Separately, Anwar also pledged an RM18 million allocation for water pipe upgrading and rewiring works at the 2nd Battalion General Operations Force base, following a request by home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said earlier that the 42-year-old base had been struggling with frequent water disruptions due to old piping, and that the funds would “reciprocate” the accomplishments of its personnel, who contributed RM270 million, or 3.86% of RM7 billion seized by enforcement agencies under his ministry from Jan 2025 until February this year.