Reference is made to the report in The Rakyat Post dated July 28, 2025 titled “Anwar Hits Back at Critics: Return Stolen Billions Before Asking Me to Step Down.”

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has fired back at his political opponents, challenging corrupt leaders to return billions in allegedly stolen assets before demanding his resignation.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Day celebrations in Muar, Johor, on July 27, Anwar aimed his remarks at politicians who he said use racial rhetoric to mask their corruption.

“Some political families have assets worth RM4 billion, others sit on RM1.2 billion in wealth, yet they shamelessly shout about ‘defending the Malays,’” Anwar said, without naming specific individuals.

The PM called on these leaders to return their wealth to the state and the Malay community before claiming to be their defenders.

Although the PM did not name names, it is no secret that the notable figures frequently speculated included Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his sons and the late Daim Zainuddin’s assets.

Yes, we must all support the PM on this important issue. Those bigwig thieves in the country, dead or alive, who had stolen billions must return them.

Families and cronies, enjoying the stolen wealth today, must also be brought to justice.

What I’ve noticed is this: The prime minister has not even hinted, let alone mentioned the late Abdul Taib Mahmud, ex-Chief Minister and Governor of Sarawak, as one of those who must return the loot, allegedly stolen from the state and people during their time in power.

As the PM, Anwar owes it to the people of Sarawak to help restitute what Taib & Co had allegedly looted at will from our beautiful Land of the Hornbills.

Mr Prime Minister, I and those with me in the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) and our ally NGOs plus a large cross section of Sarawakians, have never forgotten the corruption and abuse of power perpetuated by Taib Mahmud and his cohorts when he was in power for four decades.

I can describe Taib Mahmud at one time as Sarawak’s greatest plunderer, a daylight robber, land grabber and power abuser.

The man is so powerful that he can even altered the race of his young Lebanese-born wife into a Melanau.

Accusations of corruption, cronyism, and abuse of power are no secrets in Sarawak and elsewhere. They have long clouded Taib’s legacy, especially from activists, civil society groups and political observers both locally and internationally.

The path to national healing and integrity lies in pursuing truth, restoring stolen wealth, and upholding accountability, regardless of rank or title.

I, and other Taib’s critics, have no qualms about describing Taib as Sarawak’s greatest plunderer due to the massive deforestation and logging concessions awarded to companies linked to his family and political allies.

A “daylight robber” for allegedly amassing immense personal wealth while the state’s indigenous communities remained impoverished.

A land grabber, especially regarding the seizure of native customary lands (NCR) under controversial land development schemes.

And finally, a power abuser, consolidating power through a network of patronage, weakening institutions and ensuring political dominance by PBB and Barisan Nasional in Sarawak for decades.

Despite repeated calls for investigation, no serious legal action was taken against him while he held office or during his term as governor. This has fueled anger among Sarawakians who feel justice has been denied.

On record, MoCS had filed reports against Taib to the MACC and police at Kuching, Bukit Aman and Putrajaya, 14 years ago in 2011.

I have also consistently reminded those in power and MACC over the years through my columns in the media of the Taib case.

Each time, when we do hear an update from MACC, it was the usual explanation that the anti-graft agency could not charge Taib due to lack of evidence.

However, MACC had announced that a file was open to investigate graft reports against the late Sarawak strongman.

Calls to return the “loot” are not uncommon, although they have subsided somewhat.

There is growing demand, especially post-retirement and after his recent passing for a full investigation into Taib’s wealth and business interests and the recovery of state assets allegedly misappropriated during his long rule.

Groups like Sarawak Report, Global Witness and international anti-corruption watchdogs have repeatedly highlighted Taib’s alleged global wealth trail, from real estate in Canada and the US to holdings in offshore tax havens.

Taib Mahmud’s legacy remains deeply polarizing.

To his supporters, he brought development and kept Sarawak politically stable. To his critics, he embodied kleptocracy, silencing dissent while enriching his family at the expense of Sarawak’s people and resources.

If Malaysia is serious about reform and justice, no one should be above the law, not even powerful political dynasts like Taib Mahmud.

The path to national healing and integrity lies in pursuing truth, restoring stolen wealth, and upholding accountability, regardless of rank or title.

I believe that many of my fellow Sarawakians are anxiously waiting for the Madani government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resolve the Taib case just as it is keen to get Mahathir and the late Daim’s family to return what was allegedly not theirs to take.

(Francis Paul Siah is a veteran Sarawak editor and currently heads the Movement for Change Sarawak, MoCS. He can be reached at [email protected].)