He said governments were toppled due to envy, oppression, embezzlement and greed.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said increasing salaries for the civil service was not an issue.

“I’m willing to do so,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Malaysian Youth Council’s 73rd annual general meeting.

Anwar was reported last year as saying that around 37% of the 1.52 million civil servants in the federal administration were part of the B40 (low-income group).

This group earns a median monthly salary of between RM2,012 and RM4,764.

In August, Anwar launched the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which will see civil servants get salary increments of between 7% and 15%.

Civil servants in top management will receive a 7% wage hike while those categorised as implementers, managers and professionals will see a 15% pay increase.

Separately, Anwar urged his critics and naysayers to focus on national development and the economy rather than arguing about petty issues.

“There are many issues to focus on such as homelessness, education, economy and national development. Don’t be preoccupied with petty issues.”

He again dismissed accusations that action taken against some prominent personalities was done out of revenge.

“Billions (of ringgit) were stolen, please return the money back to the rakyat.”