The wealth of political leaders often sparks heated debates, especially when their luxurious lifestyles starkly contrast the hardships faced by the citizens they serve.
While some leaders advocate for transparency and wage equity, others continue to enjoy extravagant fortunes, even in economically troubled nations. This recurring theme highlights a growing disconnect between governance and public expectations.
Anwar Ibrahim named among world’s richest leaders with RM11.3mil worth
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is no exception to this scrutiny, as his name recently appeared on Love Money‘s list of the world’s richest leaders.
His inclusion adds an interesting twist, considering his public commitment to frugality and equitable governance. Anwar’s ranking is part of a broader spotlight on the financial standings of global leaders, some of whom lead nations in crisis yet enjoy significant personal wealth.
The world’s richest leaders
To provide a clearer picture, here are the top leaders listed by Love Money, showcasing the stark contrasts in net worth:
- Russia: Vladimir Putin – $200 billion
- North Korea: Kim Jong-un – $5 billion
- China: Xi Jinping – $1.5 billion
- Syria: Bashar al-Assad – $1.5 billion
- Equatorial Guinea: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – $600 million
- Azerbaijan: Ilham Aliyev – $500 million
- Türkiye: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – $500 million
- Rwanda: Paul Kagame – $500 million
- South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa – $450 million
- Kenya: William Ruto – $400 million
- France: Emmanuel Macron – $31.5 million
- Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky – $20 million
- USA: Joe Biden – $10 million
- Canada: Justin Trudeau – $5 million
- Singapore: Lawrence Wong – $5 million
- The Philippines: Bongbong Marcos – $3.6 million
- Malaysia: Anwar Ibrahim – $2.4 million
- Venezuela: Nicolás Maduro – $2 million
Anwar Ibrahim’s promises vs. reality
Ranked 17th with a net worth of $2.4 million (RM11.3 million), Anwar Ibrahim’s position on this list comes as a contrast to his campaign pledges.
During his election campaign, Anwar vowed not to accept the Prime Minister’s monthly salary of $5,000 (RM22,000), emphasising that Malaysia’s minimum wage remains at $325 (RM1,400).
In November 2022, Anwar disclosed his assets in a bid to promote financial transparency among politicians.
His declaration included $180,000 in cash and investments, with the majority—$2.2 million—tied to a house and three plots of land. This move was also aimed at encouraging opposition candidates to follow suit.
ASEAN leaders on the list
Anwar isn’t the only ASEAN leader featured in the report. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, with a net worth of $3.6 million, and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with $5 million, also made the cut.
