Anwar said that the seizures included cash, property, company shares and buildings, and that the RM8 billion had already been returned to the government’s consolidated fund under the finance ministry.

He also said that the recoveries were carried out through joint operations by several enforcement agencies under a multi-agency special task force, set up with “a full mandate and no compromise to scammers and smugglers” to curb the financial leakages that had persisted for years.

“Imagine that level of leakage. We fight here openly while others make noise behind the scenes, yet we allow it to happen.

“Many from the previous administrations were involved,” he said when responding to Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin).

Isam had asked the prime minister for the total value of assets and penalties seized by government agencies and the steps being taken to reduce revenue leakages.

Besides MACC, Anwar said that the police and the customs department had seized assets worth almost RM4 billion and RM2.5 billion respectively, while the domestic trade and cost of living ministry and the Malaysia Competition Commission collected RM1 billion in penalties.

“The multi-agency task force is working hard. What’s important is to understand why such massive leakages were allowed to happen for decades.

“What’s different now is that the government has empowered enforcement bodies to act boldly and decisively.

“And we must commend these agencies for taking responsibility with courage,” Anwar said, adding that more recoveries were being made.

New security measures have also been introduced, including the use of digital technology systems, a centralised screening complex, CCTV, body-worn cameras, and scanning machines, he said.

Anwar also said the government would continue to recover funds linked to the 1MDB scandal.