PM Anwar Ibrahim Reaffirms Commitment to Governance Reform and Anti-Corruption Efforts

PUTRAJAYA, June 12 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening governance, integrity, and institutional reform as key pillars in building a fairer, more transparent, and competitive Malaysia, yesterday. Speaking after receiving a courtesy visit from Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, Anwar stressed that efforts to enhance governance standards and institutional accountability remain at the core of the government’s reform agenda. The Prime Minister said integrity should not merely be viewed as a slogan in public service but as a fundamental principle that underpins public trust, attracts high-quality investments, and secures the nation’s long-term sustainability and prosperity. He noted that strong governance and effective anti-corruption measures are essential in ensuring Malaysia remains a credible and attractive destination for investors while safeguarding the interests of the rakyat. Anwar also reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as an independent, authoritative, and respected institution in its mission to combat corruption without compromise. “The MADANI Government will continue to strengthen MACC’s role and capabilities to ensure corruption is eradicated at all levels, enabling the nation’s prosperity to be enjoyed by both present and future generations,” he said.    -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

PUTRAJAYA, June 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening governance, integrity, and institutional reform as key pillars in building a fairer, more transparent, and competitive Malaysia, yesterday. Speaking after receiving a courtesy visit from Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim […]

MACC, MOF Bolster Strategic Ties On High-profile Cases

PUTRAJAYA, June 9 -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) are stepping up their joint efforts to combat corruption, misappropriation and leakages to protect the country’s economic sovereignty. The commitment was reflected in a courtesy visit by MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman to Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican at the MOF here today. The nearly hour-long strategic meeting provided an important platform for both sides to strengthen cooperation, particularly in handling high-profile cases. Abd Halim said in a statement that the MACC and the MOF also discussed the formation of a task force or special committee to address related matters as required by current needs. “To ensure more thorough investigations and asset recovery, discussions centred on the special task force and committee established specifically to handle the case. “The MACC also said it was ready to provide full cooperation and comprehensive support in legal, enforcement and technical aspects to resolve related cases at their root cause,” he added. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 9 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) are stepping up their joint efforts to combat corruption, misappropriation and leakages to protect the country’s economic sovereignty. The commitment was reflected in a courtesy visit by MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman to Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri […]

PERKESO Uncovers Daya Kerjaya Incentive Claim Fraud Via AFEI Monitoring

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 -- Fraudulent claims under the Daya Kerjaya programme incentive have been successfully uncovered through continuous internal controls implemented by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) since late 2024, leading to a series of arrests. PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the discovery proves the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence (AI) driven internal monitoring system under its Anti-Fraud, Ethics and Integrity (AFEI) division in identifying irregularities or anomalies for further scrutiny. “Every irregularity will be followed up with immediate action by a special task force that conducts field intelligence to verify whether the claim is legitimate or contains elements of fraud. “Since late 2024, PERKESO’s AFEI has been gathering evidence before submitting information to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for enforcement and arrests,” he said in a statement today. He added that PERKESO’s internal controls and cooperation with MACC have led to the exposure of fraudulent activities under the Daya Kerjaya 1.0 and 2.0 schemes to date. Mohammed Azman said the close cooperation between PERKESO and the MACC continues under Ops Tunjang, which has led to the exposure of white-collar criminal fraud activities, including those involving medical practitioners. In this regard, he said PERKESO will continue to strengthen its internal controls to combat fraudulent activities that seek to misappropriate social security funds meant for those in need, particularly contributors and their dependents. “PERKESO does not compromise on any cases of fraud. Through the technology available within the AFEI division, every claim will be subject to strict monitoring. “We wish to emphasise to all parties, both internal and external, that PERKESO will continue to work with the authorities and take firm action to combat fraud, misappropriation, and manipulation of claims,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Fraudulent claims under the Daya Kerjaya programme incentive have been successfully uncovered through continuous internal controls implemented by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) since late 2024, leading to a series of arrests. PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the discovery proves the effectiveness […]

Agong Urges New MACC Chief to Lead Anti-Corruption Fight with Integrity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised the newly appointed Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Dato' Seri Abdul Halim Aman, to carry out his responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and commitment in strengthening the nation's fight against corruption. During an audience at Istana Negara today, His Majesty expressed confidence in Abdul Halim's ability to lead the anti-graft agency and emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust through transparent and accountable governance. Sultan Ibrahim stressed that efforts to combat corruption must be carried out continuously, firmly and without fear or favour to ensure that integrity, justice and the rule of law remain protected. The King also underscored the need for all enforcement institutions to remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation's interests and strengthening public confidence in government institutions. Abdul Halim Aman was appointed as MACC Chief Commissioner effective May 13, succeeding Azam Baki. The audience with His Majesty took place at Istana Negara on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised the newly appointed Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Aman, to carry out his responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and commitment in strengthening the nation’s fight against corruption. During an audience at Istana […]

Rafizi Voluntarily Returns To MACC With Additional Evidence In RM1.1 Billion Probe

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 -- Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with investigations into a government contract worth nearly RM1.1 billion. Arriving at about 9.50 am alongside his legal team, Rafizi said he would submit an additional 28 pages of documentary evidence to the investigators. “I am voluntarily giving an additional statement to assist the MACC investigation so it can be aligned with other evidence that was not covered during questioning last week. “This evidence includes reports from the media itself because the collaboration with Arm Holdings was not done quietly behind closed doors like the 1MDB scandal, but instead was widely reported by the media, with statements and explanations from senior national leaders, including three other senior government leaders who were involved,” he told reporters before entering the MACC headquarters. Rafizi said he hoped the additional statement and evidence would help MACC conduct a more comprehensive probe. “I think after my statement today, it will help the MACC determine who else needs to be called. “And with all the more comprehensive evidence, I am confident the MACC can conclude that, based on my questioning so far, there are no elements involving money or suspicious transactions,” he said. Rafizi had previously spent four days giving statements to assist in the investigation. Former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was previously reported as saying that investigations into the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor industry strategic partnership agreement between the Economy Ministry and the UK-based Arm Holdings were now in the final stages. So far, 22 witnesses have been called, including political analyst Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai. Two more witnesses - one in Taiwan and another in Malaysia - are expected to be summoned. The MACC opened its investigation paper on Feb 16 following complaints by three non-governmental organisations alleging that the agreement had been rushed and skewed, potentially exposing the government to financial risks. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with investigations into a government contract worth nearly RM1.1 billion. Arriving at about 9.50 am alongside his legal team, Rafizi said he would submit an additional […]

Abdul Halim begins duties as MACC Chief Commissioner

PUTRAJAYA: The new Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, officially began his duties today. He replaces Tan Sri Azam Baki who retired after 42 years of service in the MACC yesterday. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement today, congratulated Abdul Halim on his appointment as the new MACC Chief Commissioner effective today. "God willing, I believe that his credibility and experience in the legal field will continue to provide added value, strengthen the role and elevate the MACC's position as a prestigious enforcement body both domestically and internationally. Happy serving!" he said in a post on his official Facebook page today. Shamsul Azri also shared a photo of the handing over of Abdul Halim's appointment letter as the new MACC Chief Commissioner. Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri also expressed his appreciation to Azam and described the many successes and reforms that have been implemented in leading the MACC as a superior enforcement body. "Tan Sri (Azam)'s service will always be remembered and hopefully he will continue to contribute to the country in whatever capacity he may be in the future," he said. On April 25, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim approved the appointment of Abdul Halim, who is also a former High Court Judge, as the new Chief Commissioner of the MACC, effective May 13. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The new Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, officially began his duties today. He replaces Tan Sri Azam Baki who retired after 42 years of service in the MACC yesterday. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement today, congratulated Abdul […]

Absence Of Money Trail Does Not Compromise Corruption Case Against Lim Guan Eng, Court Hears

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 -- An investigating officer informed the Sessions Court today that the absence of a money trail has not compromised his investigation into the Penang undersea tunnel corruption case involving Lim Guan Eng. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Investigation Division senior officer Zulhilmi Ramli explained that the RM3.3 million allegedly given to the former Penang Chief Minister was delivered in cash in stages, and was never banked or transferred into his account, thereby leaving no trace. "However, this did not affect my investigation, as it is supported by the testimony of the key witness, Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, a former director of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB). “It is further corroborated by other witnesses, namely (Datuk Seri) G Gnanaraja (a businessman), Azli Adam (former senior vice president of Finance and Corporate Services at Consortium Zenith Beijing Urban Construction Group Sdn Bhd), and Ibrahim Sahari (a former director of CZCSB). "All of them confirmed that cash withdrawals took place and that meetings occurred between Zarul Ahmad and the accused at the latter's office. My investigation also relies on documents I obtained, which indicate that meetings were held inside a car involving Zarul Ahmad, Gnanaraja and the accused. “This evidence is further reinforced by forensic reports, including photographs taken inside the car and at the house," he said. The 38th prosecution witness was testifying during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin. Wan Shaharuddin: Why did the MACC still select Gnanaraja as a witness despite defence claims of contradictions between his statement and Zarul Ahmad's? Zulhilmi: I considered Gnanaraja's statement regarding the RM2 million payment to the accused, which is supported by Zarul Ahmad's testimony. In his statement at the end of 2019, Zarul Ahmad admitted and confirmed that four bags, each containing RM1 million, were given to Gnanaraja. “I also took into account Gnanaraja's statement recorded around mid-2020, which was consistent. Gnanaraja admitted to receiving four bags of RM1 million each, and that the total amount received from Zarul Ahmad was RM4 million. Under the first charge, Lim, 65, is accused of abusing his position as Penang chief minister to receive RM3.3 million in return for helping a company owned by businessman Zarul Ahmad secure the Penang Major Roads and Tunnel Construction Project, valued at approximately RM6.34 billion. The alleged offence took place at the Penang Chief Minister's Office between January 2011 and August 2017. The second charge states that the Bagan MP solicited a 10 per cent cut out of the project’s future profits from Zarul Ahmad for assisting his company in securing the same project. The alleged offence occurred near The Gardens Hotel, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, between 12.30 am and 2.00 am in March 2011. Additionally, Lim faces two charges of disposing of a couple of state-owned lots of land in Penang, valued at RM208.8 million, to a developer linked to the undersea tunnel project. These offences were allegedly committed at the Penang Land and Mines Office, Komtar, on Feb 17, 2015, and March 22, 2017. The trial before Judge Azura Alwi resumes on May 14. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — An investigating officer informed the Sessions Court today that the absence of a money trail has not compromised his investigation into the Penang undersea tunnel corruption case involving Lim Guan Eng. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Investigation Division senior officer Zulhilmi Ramli explained that the RM3.3 million allegedly given to the […]

Probe Focuses On Procedures, Not Finances – Rafizi

PUTRAJAYA, May 6 -- Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said investigations into him have so far centred on procedural matters rather than financial transactions in relation to the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor deal between the Ministry of Economy and a UK-based company, Arm Holdings. Speaking to reporters outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters today, he said no questions during his statement recording touched on money flows or payments, contrary to earlier claims. “There were no questions on financial transactions. As I’ve said, the questions so far have been about joint venture decisions and procedures,” he said. Rafizi arrived at the MACC headquarters at 1.50 pm to continue giving his statement for a third day, assisting investigations into alleged abuse of power and misappropriation linked to the semiconductor deal. The MACC opened its investigation on Feb 16 following complaints from several non-governmental organisations alleging the deal was rushed and skewed, potentially resulting in financial implications for the government. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 6 — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said investigations into him have so far centred on procedural matters rather than financial transactions in relation to the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor deal between the Ministry of Economy and a UK-based company, Arm Holdings. Speaking to reporters outside the Malaysian […]

MACC remands two statutory body instructors suspected of accepting bribes

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Terengganu has remanded two lecturers from a statutory body in the state on suspicion of soliciting and accepting a bribe of approximately RM30,000 in return for issuing competency qualification certificates. The four-day remand order until May 8 was issued by Magistrate Iffah Nabihah Mohd Ishak after an application was made by MACC at the Kuala Terengganu Magistrate's Court this morning. According to sources, the two male suspects, aged in their 20s and 40s, were arrested at about 12 noon yesterday when they appeared to give statements at the Terengganu MACC office. "Initial investigations found that both suspects were suspected of abetting the act in 2025 and the bribe money requested was in return for providing 'instant approval' of competency certificates to each course participant. "The two suspects are believed to have received between RM900 and RM1,500 from about 31 participants and the bribe money was obtained through money transfer transactions to their respective personal bank accounts," he said. According to sources, MACC is currently investigating whether the competency certificate fraud is occurring on a larger scale and has not ruled out the possibility of conducting a review of each certificate issued by the relevant agency to identify the validity of the certificate. Meanwhile, Terengganu MACC Director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009. He also did not rule out the possibility that a series of follow-up arrests would be made to assist in the investigation. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Terengganu has remanded two lecturers from a statutory body in the state on suspicion of soliciting and accepting a bribe of approximately RM30,000 in return for issuing competency qualification certificates. The four-day remand order until May 8 was issued by Magistrate Iffah Nabihah Mohd Ishak after an application […]

Abuse Of Power Probe: Rafizi Gives Statement At MACC Hq

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 -- Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters today to provide his statement on a probe into abuse of power and graft in a RM1.1 billion semiconductor deal with the United Kingdom firm ARM Limited. The Pandan Member of Parliament arrived at 9.31 am. Before entering, Rafizi told reporters he would give his full cooperation to the investigation. On Saturday, MACC senior investigation director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar said the case is being probed under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for the misuse of position or authority for gratification. According to him, 22 statements have been taken, including from ministers and senior officials across several government agencies, since the investigation started on Feb 13, 2025. Mohd Hafaz said the anti-graft body recorded statements from Rafizi's former aide Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai, for three consecutive days starting Tuesday last week. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters today to provide his statement on a probe into abuse of power and graft in a RM1.1 billion semiconductor deal with the United Kingdom firm ARM Limited. The Pandan Member of Parliament arrived at 9.31 am. […]