In a Bernama report, Anwar noted that tackling high-profile corruption was more difficult than smaller cases as the so-called “sharks” have vast resources and influence in politics and the media.
He stressed that firm action would be taken without compromise, regardless of whether the offenders were ministers, senior civil servants or retired officials.
“Priority is on the sharks, but that does not mean the ikan bilis (small fry) will be allowed to grow unchecked,” he said at a forum in Kuala Lumpur.
“If there is misconduct, we will come after you. If not today, then tomorrow.
“Even if you are retired and evidence emerges of wrongdoing during your time in power… We will come after you.”
The forum, organised by the higher education ministry, was held at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM).
Panellists included home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, IIM CEO Ahmad Ramdzan Daud, and UKM professor emeritus Abdul Rahman Embong.
During the session, Anwar also listened to views from the panel and participants on the need to implement holistic and systemic reforms to strengthen integrity in leadership, particularly in tackling governance issues, abuse of power, and corruption.
Anwar stressed that institutional reform must be holistic and continuous, grounded in values and public awareness of leadership responsibility.
The prime minister also criticised certain members of Parliament who defended corrupt individuals despite clear evidence that they had illicitly accumulated billions in wealth.
He said his past experiences of imprisonment and humiliation were secondary, but stealing from the nation is an unforgivable act of hypocrisy.
“My imprisonment, the beatings, the humiliation… I can forgive that. But stealing billions (of ringgit) from the nation, that is sheer hypocrisy.
“If there is evidence, that is for the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) to investigate, and for the judge to decide. That is not my role.
“My concern is that the billions (of ringgit) in ill-gotten wealth that have been siphoned off must be returned to the people.”