The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has warned that the lack of anti-corruption reforms is deepening public distrust in the Madani government.
C4 chief executive officer, Pushpan Murugiah, said if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is serious about tackling corruption, he must introduce several key reforms.
This includes ensuring those close to him are free of conflicts of interest and addressing public speculation about how individuals in his circle conduct their work.
His comments follow the arrest of Anwar’s former political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (main image), by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged bribery.
Pushpan said the government must amend the Government Procurement Act to curb discretionary powers and strengthen transparency and stability within the procurement system.
“The allegations cast a poor light on Anwar’s image, as the case involves someone within his inner circle,” he said.
“The prime minister needs to acknowledge that lip service and empty assurances about the supposed cleanliness of the appointments process can no longer silence critics.
“Concrete action must be taken to introduce an appointments process based on merit and demonstrable track records of performance – one that is independent of political influence, with unilateral decision-making removed from the hands of a single individual and placed under a bipartisan committee.”
Shamsul Iskandar resigned on Nov 25 over allegations of bribery, which followed claims that he had written a support letter in 2024 recommending six contractors for the Muar Hospital project.
Controversial businessman Albert Tei claimed he had spent RM629,000 on renovations, furnishings, premium cigars, custom suits and appliances for properties linked to Shamsul, after being assured that Shamsul could help him recover funds allegedly paid to Sabah politicians.
On June 30 this year, Tei was charged in the Kota Kinabalu Special Corruption Court with two counts of offering RM350,000 to two former assemblymen.
Late last year, videos surfaced showing Tei discussing payments to several Sabah assemblymen in relation to mineral exploration licences, which were subsequently cancelled.
In Parliament today, Anwar said there will be no interference with the MACC investigation. He stressed that no one is above the law, pointing to Shamsul being handcuffed as proof he is not interfering in the probe.
Pushpan said allegations about the support letter were raised a year earlier, but Anwar did not act decisively, allowing the matter to escalate.
“The government must undertake adequate reforms, including amending the Government Procurement Act so that it genuinely curtails discretionary power and ensures transparency and stability in the procurement process,” he said.
“Additionally, a Political Financing Act should be introduced to regulate the funding of political parties, including setting limits on donations and defining permissible donors.
“C4 has long highlighted the link between procurement corruption and political financing, where contract proceeds are used to fund political parties and perpetuate crony networks.”
If Anwar wishes to demonstrate genuine commitment to combating corruption within political structures, Pushpan said these reforms must be treated as a priority, and allegations of corruption – including those raised by whistleblowers – must be investigated seriously.