KUALA LUMPUR – A significant member of Malaysia’s governing coalition demanded Wednesday that authorities establish a royal commission to examine serious misconduct claims against the nation’s primary anti-corruption organization.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and its leadership have faced intense public criticism after numerous news outlets this month published reports alleging wrongdoing and violations of public service regulations, along with other serious charges.
A Bloomberg investigation claimed MACC personnel were assisting business groups in taking over companies through questionable means. Reuters could not independently confirm these findings, which were based on internal documentation and witness interviews.
The anti-corruption agency dismissed the claims as “baseless,” stating Tuesday that the accusations represented an effort to undermine their corporate investigations and enforcement activities.
Nevertheless, the Democratic Action Party, a crucial component of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, announced it would advocate for a formal investigation into these allegations, describing the MACC’s rejection as “insufficient.”
“There must be an inquiry into the allegations made and that inquiry ought to be by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter,” stated DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, who also serves as a cabinet minister, in Wednesday’s announcement.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who leads the DAP, indicated he would recommend creating the royal commission during Friday’s cabinet session, according to local news reports from Tuesday.
Representatives for Prime Minister Anwar did not immediately provide comment when contacted.
Officials previously established a special investigative committee this month to examine the MACC chief after a different media investigation alleged violations of shareholding regulations.
