Rumors About Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Agency Spark Call for Royal Probe

A prominent party in Malaysia’s ruling coalition has urged the government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) following recent accusations against the country’s anti‑corruption agency, the MACC.

Background

• Allegations: Media reports claim MACC officials allegedly aided businessmen in taking over companies.
• Evidence: Based on internal documents and witness statements.
• MACC Response: Agency dismissed the claims as “baseless.”
• Chief’s Statement: The allegations are an attempt to undermine MACC’s investigations and enforcement work in the corporate sector.

DAP's Position

• Key Partner: Democratic Action Party (DAP), a major partner of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
• Leadership Quote: DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo insists a thorough inquiry must be conducted through an RCI, providing the necessary powers for a transparent investigation.
• Action Plan: Transport minister and DAP leader Anthony Loke intends to propose the RCI at the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Current Status

• Prime Minister’s Office: No response yet to requests for comment.
• Special Committee: Earlier this month, a committee was created to investigate the MACC chief after separate allegations of shareholding law violations surfaced.

Implications

The situation underscores ongoing concerns about corruption oversight in Malaysia and the urgent need for clear accountability mechanisms.