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#governance

65 stories tagged

Anwar's Reforms Since 2022: A Madani Government Scorecard

Anwar Ibrahim became prime minister in November 2022. Here is a look at the key reforms and initiatives his government has pursued since then.

21 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Singapore Ministers Win Defamation Case Against Bloomberg, Citing Need to Protect Office Integrity

Singapore's Coordinating Minister K. Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng have won a High Court defamation case against Bloomberg, each receiving $230,000 in damages. The court found the news outlet and reporter maliciously defamed the ministers over coverage of their property transactions.

By Syed Naguib · 11 Aug 2026 · 5 min read

34 MPs Back Royal Commission Call Over MACC 'Corporate Mafia' Claims

Thirty-four MPs have publicly supported establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate claims of 'corporate mafia' involving the MACC and former chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, particularly concerning his shareholding controversy.

By Marcus Lee · 11 Aug 2026 · 4 min read

South Korean Authorities Raid Election Commission in Former Chief's Embezzlement Probe

South Korean investigators raided the National Election Commission on Monday as part of a widening embezzlement investigation into former chief Roh Tae-ak, who resigned following disruptions during June local elections.

By Syed Naguib · 11 Aug 2026 · 3 min read

YADIM Endorses King's Push for Rigorous Tabung Haji Inquiry

The Malaysian Islamic Dakwah Foundation has endorsed the King's directive for a comprehensive investigation into Tabung Haji RCI findings, emphasizing transparent governance and legal accountability without politicization.

By Syed Naguib · 9 Aug 2026 · 4 min read

MACC Completes Four-Day Interrogation of Ex-CFO in Tabung Haji Corruption Probe

The MACC has wrapped up a four-day interrogation of a former chief financial officer concerning alleged abuse of power in a RM370 million share acquisition by Tabung Haji, a key statutory body managing Muslim pilgrimage savings.

By Syed Naguib · 7 Aug 2026 · 3 min read

Three more arrested in MACC's Tabung Haji RCI probe over RM450,000 penalty notices

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three more people as part of its widening investigation into alleged financial misconduct at Tabung Haji, stemming from a Royal Commission of Inquiry report.

By Marcus Lee · 6 Aug 2026 · 3 min read

MACC Continues Questioning Former CFO of Tabung Haji-Linked Company Over Investment Decisions

The MACC has extended its questioning of a former chief financial officer as part of its investigation into the Tabung Haji RCI Report, focusing on a controversial RM370 million plantation share acquisition.

By Syed Naguib · 6 Aug 2026 · 4 min read

MACC Launches Formal Investigation Into Tabung Haji Following Royal Commission Report

The MACC has formally begun investigating the Royal Commission of Inquiry findings on Tabung Haji, deploying eight officers to the fund's headquarters to examine documentation and interview relevant personnel.

By Syed Naguib · 31 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

South Korea's Police Chief Vows Sweeping Reforms as Corruption Scandal Widens

South Korea's acting police chief has committed to comprehensive institutional reforms following a collusion scandal involving officers who allegedly leaked investigation details and mishandled evidence in a high-profile murder case.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Government to Hold Special Parliament Session to Debate Tabung Haji RCI Report

The government plans to convene a special Dewan Rakyat session to debate the declassified Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Tabung Haji. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed relevant ministers to arrange the sitting soon.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

MACC Launches Review of Tabung Haji RCI Findings

Malaysia's anti-corruption agency has established a dedicated task force to scrutinize findings from the Tabung Haji Royal Commission inquiry, focusing on possible breaches involving graft, asset misappropriation, and money laundering.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Governance and Integrity Must Guide Voters in Negeri Sembilan Election, Says Fahmi

Pakatan Harapan communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has warned Negeri Sembilan voters to prioritise governance and integrity when selecting leaders, citing the damaging findings of the Tabung Haji royal inquiry.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

PM Anwar Demands Transparent Investigation Into TH RCI Findings, Vows No Protection for Wrongdoers

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has demanded that investigations stemming from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji be conducted with full transparency, declaring that no individual will receive protection if found to have engaged in wrongdoing.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Tabung Haji scandal transcends faith: Malaysia must strengthen institutional safeguards

Malaysia's Tabung Haji scandal reveals how religious institutions remain vulnerable to mismanagement without robust governance. The revelation demands systemic reforms protecting all Malaysians' trust in major institutions.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Parliament To Debate Tabung Haji RCI Report In Special Sitting, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a special Parliament sitting to examine the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Lembaga Tabung Haji, subject to approval from Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul.

By Syed Naguib · 30 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

TH RCI Report Delayed to Safeguard Fund Stability, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's decision to withhold the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Tabung Haji for three years, saying immediate release could have triggered panic withdrawals. The report will now be made public.

By Syed Naguib · 27 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

No One Above Law If Named in TH Inquiry Report, Says Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has insisted that nobody will escape accountability if implicated in the Tabung Haji Royal Commission report, stressing the findings must be made public transparently.

By Syed Naguib · 27 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

KWAP's eFishery Fiasco Demands Accountability from Finance Ministry

KWAP's substantial investment losses in Indonesian start-up eFishery have exposed critical governance weaknesses in how Malaysia's retirement fund manages public savings, raising urgent questions about oversight and accountability at the Finance Ministry.

By Syed Naguib · 21 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

King Charles III Makes History as First British Monarch to Publicly Disclose Personal Tax Payments

King Charles III has set a historic precedent by publicly disclosing his personal tax payments, becoming the first reigning British monarch to do so. He paid £12.9 million in the 2024-2025 tax year.

By Marcus Lee · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Federal Court Closes Door on Isa Samad's Bid to Overturn RM3 Million Graft Conviction

Former Felda chairman Tan Sri Isa Samad has run out of legal remedies after Malaysia's apex court rejected his final attempt to quash his RM3 million graft conviction, marking an end to years of appeals.

By Syed Naguib · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Federal Court Upholds Conviction: Isa Samad to Serve Sentence for Corruption

The Federal Court has rejected a review petition from former Felda chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, confirming his conviction in a RM3.09 million corruption case tied to the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites transaction in Sarawak.

By Syed Naguib · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Government seizes 23 Rolex watches, jewellery from general's relative

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has successfully forfeited 23 Rolex watches and 15 pieces of jewellery to the government. The items were seized from the sister-in-law of retired General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.

By Syed Naguib · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Accountability Imperative: Linking Government Overseas Spending to Public Healthcare Crisis

Malaysia's government must justify overseas travel expenditures through transparent reporting while addressing a deepening public healthcare crisis marked by staff exodus and infrastructure decay.

By Syed Naguib · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Hong Kong Fire Inquiry Opts Out of Statutory Powers, Raising Survivor Concerns

An independent panel probing Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court fire has declined to request statutory powers, disappointing survivors who worry about gaps in investigative authority and accountability during the inquiry.

By Marcus Lee · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

MACC Advances on Global Stage with Four Finalist Nominations at ICA Compliance Awards APAC 2026

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has achieved a significant international milestone by securing four finalist nominations at the ICA Compliance Awards APAC 2026, in its first participation in the prestigious regional awards programme honouring compliance excellence.

By Syed Naguib · 24 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Civil Service Excellence Drives Malaysia's Competitiveness Gains, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's improved standing in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking to the dedication and operational effectiveness of the nation's civil service sector.

By Syed Naguib · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Civil Service Must Translate Malaysia's Diplomatic Gains Into Economic Action, Says Top Official

Malaysia's Chief Secretary has called on the civil service to swiftly convert Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic visits to Russia and Turkmenistan into tangible economic benefits and investment opportunities for the nation.

By Syed Naguib · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Civil Service Excellence Drives 8-Position Jump in Global Competitiveness Rankings

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's significant advancement in the IMD World Competitiveness Index 2026 to the dedication and efficiency of the nation's civil service, reflecting broader institutional improvements.

By Lau Chee Keong · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Zahid Denies Issuing Order to Limit Johor MB's Access to Felda

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected suggestions that he instructed officials to restrict the Johor Menteri Besar's involvement with Felda affairs, seeking to defuse mounting political tensions.

By Syed Naguib · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Onn Hafiz claims obstruction at Felda settlement over land title ceremony

Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has alleged he was denied entry to a Felda settlement to conduct a land title presentation ceremony, raising questions about access restrictions during the interim administration period.

By Syed Naguib · 23 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Parliament Demands Greater Voice in Public Prosecutor Appointments Amid Constitutional Reform Debate

Malaysian parliamentarians are pushing back against what they view as executive overreach, demanding the legislature play a substantive role in vetting future public prosecutors rather than serving as a ceremonial body.

By Syed Naguib · 23 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

MACC orders personnel to declare assets within one month in integrity drive

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has ordered all officers to update their asset declarations within a month as part of a push to reinforce integrity standards across the anti-corruption body itself.

By Syed Naguib · 23 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Nepal's Ex-Finance Minister Arrested in Money Laundering Investigation

Nepal's former finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has been arrested on money laundering allegations. The arrest reflects the new government's intensified campaign against corruption from previous administrations.

By Marcus Lee · 23 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Hungary moves to unlock EU funds with sweeping anti-corruption reforms

Hungary's parliament is poised to approve anti-corruption measures as new Prime Minister Peter Magyar pushes through wide-ranging reforms designed to unlock billions in frozen EU funds withheld over governance concerns.

By Marcus Lee · 23 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Strengthens Worker Recruitment Governance with Bangladesh

Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry is intensifying efforts to improve the governance of foreign worker recruitment from Bangladesh, establishing a Joint Working Group to ensure safe migration and mutual benefit.

By Lau Chee Keong · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Transparency International Malaysia Pushes for Greater Openness in Corruption Settlement Cases

Transparency International Malaysia has called for enhanced disclosure in corruption compound cases, backing the Attorney-General's Chambers' recent statement but warning that current transparency levels remain insufficient to maintain public trust.

By Syed Naguib · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

High Court Postpones Corruption Appeal of Former Youth Ministry Official Until September

A High Court judge has rescheduled the corruption appeal of a former Youth and Sports Ministry finance official to September, following a defence application submission that requires additional court time for consideration.

By Syed Naguib · 22 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Johor Regent Receives PM Anwar in High-Level Meeting Reaffirming Federal-State Bonds

The Regent of Johor received Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a significant audience that highlighted the enduring partnership between Putrajaya and Malaysia's southern state, reinforcing collaborative governance.

By Syed Naguib · 22 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Anwar and Johor Regent TMJ Commit to Strengthening State-Federal Relations

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has met with Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Johor to reaffirm commitment to harmonious state-federal governance, signalling efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation.

By Syed Naguib · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Spanish PM's Former Transport Minister Jailed for 24 Years Over Corruption

A Spanish court has sentenced Jose Luis Abalos, a former transport minister and longtime confidant of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to 24 years in prison following his conviction on graft-related charges.

By Marcus Lee · 22 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

MACC Investigates Zoo Taiping Elephant Transfer to Japan

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog has launched an investigation into the transfer of three Asian elephants from Zoo Taiping to a zoo in Osaka, Japan, raising questions about governance and proper procedures.

By Syed Naguib · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Transparency Calls Mount for A-GC and MACC Over Corruption Settlements

Transparency advocates are pressing Malaysia's Attorney-General's Chambers and anti-corruption commission to disclose reasons behind their decisions to settle major corruption cases outside court.

By Syed Naguib · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Johor's Caretaker Chief Pledges Action on Royal Counsel, Warns Against Complacency

Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reframed royal advice as a performance benchmark, signalling the state administration will use such counsel to drive improvement rather than become complacent.

By Syed Naguib · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar: Abuse of Power, Not Race, Is Malaysia's Greatest Challenge

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reframed Malaysia's principal difficulty as stemming from power abuse rather than racial divisions, emphasising the need to address governance issues and institutional accountability.

By Syed Naguib · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Spanish Court Orders PM's Wife to Stand Trial, Restricts Travel

A Spanish court has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption charges and barred her from leaving the country, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn political controversy.

By Marcus Lee · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Parliament Must Lead by Example for Youth Lawmakers, Says Speaker Johari

Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has urged Members of Parliament to set a positive example through dignified proceedings and integrity-driven debate, as the Malaysian Youth Parliament prepares to convene in September with over 300,000 young Malaysians eligible to participate.

By Syed Naguib · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Constitutional Push for PM Term Limits Returns to Parliament with Three Other Key Bills

Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat will debate four significant bills from Monday, including legislation to restrict prime ministerial terms to a decade. The measure previously failed to reach the required two-thirds majority.

By Syed Naguib · 20 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Pahang Sultan Receives Briefing From MACC Chief on Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Sultan of Pahang has met with the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to review the agency's latest anti-corruption efforts and governance initiatives aimed at strengthening public integrity.

By Syed Naguib · 19 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Putrajaya Must Maintain Rigorous Cleanliness and Safety Standards, Hannah Yeoh Insists

Minister Hannah Yeoh has underscored the need for Putrajaya to uphold rigorous cleanliness and safety standards without compromise, citing the federal capital's growing appeal to visitors.

By Syed Naguib · 19 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Malaysia's Cabinet Approves National Tahfiz Council with Zahid as Chair

Malaysia's Cabinet has formally approved the creation of the National Tahfiz Council, tasking Vice Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi with leading the new governmental body overseeing Islamic religious education institutions.

By Syed Naguib · 19 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

State Assemblies Need Robust Oversight and Transparency Reforms, Report Finds

A Parliamentary Democracy and Constituency Development Caucus report recommends enhanced oversight and transparency in state assemblies nationwide to strengthen governance and public accountability across Malaysia's federal system.

By Syed Naguib · 18 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Raja of Perlis Calls for Integrity and Rejection of Corruption in Nation-Building

The Raja of Perlis has urged citizens to prioritize integrity and reject corruption, framing societal progress around character development, knowledge advancement, and cultural preservation rather than physical infrastructure alone.

By Syed Naguib · 18 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

New MACC Chief Abdul Halim Vows To Push Reform Despite Steep Learning Curve

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman has committed to driving improvements across the anti-corruption agency in his new role, acknowledging that his transition from the judiciary presents initial challenges.

By Syed Naguib · 18 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Sultan Nazrin Urges Leaders to Avoid Hasty Decisions, Emphasises Need for Unity

Sultan Nazrin Shah has called on national leaders to eschew impulsive decision-making, arguing that sustainable progress requires citizens to cooperate, respect differences, and pursue harmonious coexistence.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Najib's Response to Massive 1MDB Deposits 'Unreasonable', Says Judge

A High Court judge hearing the 1MDB trial has suggested that former prime minister Najib Razak's reaction to receiving US$681 million in deposits was inconsistent with how a reasonable person would behave.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

MACC launches governance review of Daya Kerjaya 2.0 amid RM9 million fraud probe

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog will scrutinise administrative and governance gaps in the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 employment initiative while investigating alleged fraudulent submissions valued at RM9 million.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Anti-Corruption Commission Harnesses Film Festival to Engage Youth on Integrity

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is partnering with the 5th Youth Film Festival at Universiti Sains Malaysia to reach younger audiences with anti-corruption messaging through film, reflecting a strategic shift toward cultural engagement.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

PM Anwar urges Malaysians to embrace Hijrah spirit for national progress

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to adopt the principles of Hijrah, emphasizing how the spiritual concept can foster truth, prosperity and national security.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Spain's Ex-Premier Zapatero Faces Historic Corruption Inquiry

Spain's former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero faces an unprecedented court hearing on influence-peddling charges, marking a significant moment for the country's leftist government as it battles mounting corruption allegations.

By Marcus Lee · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Sabah's New Anti-Corruption Headquarters on Track for Year-end Opening

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's new Sabah headquarters is 90 per cent complete and expected to open by year-end, consolidating fragmented operations into a single, purpose-built facility on Jalan Sepanggar.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Sultan Nazrin Warns Against Impulsive Leadership, Calls for Wisdom and Sacrifice

Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah has cautioned national leaders against making hasty decisions driven by emotion, emphasising instead the need for thoughtful governance, strategic planning, and a renewed spirit of sacrifice within Malaysian society.

By Syed Naguib · 17 Jun 2026 · 5 min read