KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that former leaders who were trying to portray themselves as heroes to all races in Malaysia should be willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Berita Harian reported that these ‘heroes’ or ex-leaders liked to make noise while being rich, while their supporters were poor.

“I would always tell them (supporters) not to get fooled (by leaders like this)” he said.

The prime minister accused these unnamed leaders of profiting while in power, buying real estate in London and Australia and their children amassing wealth.

“If you want to help, sell half (of what you have) and give it back to the poor.

“But no, everyone wants to be play hero,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Residensi Rakyat (PRR) Harmoni MADANI Bestari Jaya programme.

Anwar also hit out at the Opposition’s constant criticism of the MADANI’s government’s efforts to help the poor.

He brought up the rumblings in response to the setting of floor prices of local rice where he reminded the Opposition that during the Perpaduan government, the ceiling price did not rise even “one ringgit.”

“This country could be great if managed well and destroyed if everyone wants to steal. The top steals a lot, the bottom steals half and the ones below steal a little.

“To open files and approve (projects) have their costs. If this continue, this country will be doomed. This is why we must stand firm,” Anwar said.