Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed allegations that his former aide, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, was instructed to steal money and hide it in Africa.
He urged the media not to entertain such claims, saying the person making the allegation must provide evidence.
“So many issues… don’t think I need to respond to this one. If the person makes a claim, then he or she must provide proof.
“To entertain… why are you even entertaining this? If there are 1,000 people making such comments, do you expect me to respond to all?
“If the person has any proof, bring it. If not, it can be ‘sarang fitnah’ (nest of lies). I prefer not to entertain this. I have so much work already,” Anwar told reporters in Johor Bahru.
The prime minister was attending a programme when asked to respond to a newly surfaced video clip.
The clip featured businessperson Sofia Rini Buyong speaking to another person, believed to be businessperson Albert Tei, where she claimed an individual named “Anwar” had told another person called “Farhash” to steal money, which was then allegedly sent to Africa.
“If there is proof, show it. No one is above the law. But how come you are entertaining some random ‘makcik’ (aunty) making such a comment?” Anwar added.
Sofia first drew attention last year over another video in which she discussed allegations of corruption involving Anwar’s former political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, with Tei.
Following that, Shamsul resigned as Anwar’s aide to defend himself against the allegations.
On Nov 25, 2025, Shamsul said on X that he understood there had been an attempt to target him with an issue that could damage the government’s image.
The post came after Malaysiakini contacted him for comment over allegations that he had received money from Tei in connection with the mining scandal.
Shamsul and Tei were later charged over the Sabah mining scandal, while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission classified Sofia as a prosecution witness.