TMR

by ANN ZAINUDDIN

TITIWANGSA Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Fathin Amelina Fazlie (picture) has announced her resignation from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and all party positions effective May 18, 2026.

In a statement today, Fathin, who also served as AMK Federal Territories communications director, said the decision was made after long and careful consideration.

She said she felt the party’s struggle had strayed from the original spirit of reform, justice and idealism that she once believed in.

“I feel that the party’s struggle today has strayed further away from the original spirit of reform, the principles of justice and the idealism that I once believed in,” said Fathin.

She also expressed appreciation to party leaders and colleagues for the opportunities given to learn, serve and begin her political journey within PKR.

The move comes amid widening political shifts within PKR following the departures of former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from the party.

The post PKR Youth leader Fathin Amelina resigns from party, cites reform ideals appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

THE hopes of supporters aligned with former opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (picture) to remain within Perikatan Nasional (PN) through an existing political party have hit a setback after the coalition decided not to admit any new parties for now.

According to a report, the decision followed strong objections from Bersatu leaders during the PN Supreme Council meeting, amid concerns that newly admitted parties could become a “new home” for Hamzah and his supporters and potentially affect internal stability within the coalition.

“Several parties had previously expressed their intention to join PN, but for now, their applications have yet to be accepted. Bersatu does not want these parties to become a ‘new home’ for former leaders who were sacked and suspended,” a source told Berita Harian.

The source added that Bersatu leaders were nevertheless open to cooperation through electoral pacts, with seat negotiations to be jointly discussed by PN’s four component parties.

Recently, it was reported that several parties including Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa), Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman) and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) had reportedly expressed interest in joining PN.

PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had earlier confirmed that the coalition was not accepting any new parties as official members at this stage.

The post Hamzah camp’s ‘new political home’ plans hit roadblock as PN rejects new parties appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

RAUB — Three South Korean men pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to charges of kidnapping a fellow countryman last month.

The alleged offence also involved demanding a ransom of USDT10 million (a cryptocurrency known as Tether, which is pegged to the US dollar and valued at approximately RM39.7 million).

Kwon Kyungryul, 28; Kwak Jaeil, 40; and Kim Myeong Joon, 40, entered their pleas after the charges were read out in Korean before Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali through a court interpreter.

According to the charge, the three men allegedly acted with a common intention to obtain a ransom of USDT10 million after unlawfully confining and holding a 40-year-old South Korean male at KM16, Jalan Genting Highlands, Bentong on April 17.

They were charged under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961 (Act 374), which provides for a minimum prison sentence of between 30 and 40 years, as well as caning, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Fathin Nadhirah Kasim requested a new case mention date to allow for the submission of documents and the appointment of legal counsel for the three accused.

She also informed the court that the case had been reported to the South Korean Embassy.

The court then set June 29 for the next case mention and ruled that no bail would be granted to any of the accused. — BERNAMA

The post Three South Koreans plead not guilty to kidnapping, demanding USDT10m ransom appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUALA LUMPUR — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, presented instruments of appointment to 15 Malaysian envoys assigned to missions abroad in a ceremony held at Istana Negara here today.

The envoys are Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin and Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar.

Also receiving their instruments are Malaysian Ambassador to Austria Datuk Fenny Nuli, Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Abu Bakar Mamat, Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Norli Muadza Mohd Noor and Malaysian Ambassador to Oman Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza.

Others are Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland Sharon Ho Swee Peng, Malaysian Ambassador to Finland Datuk S. S. Amarjit Singh, Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Fairuz Adli Mohd Rozali and Malaysian Ambassador to Turkiye Adlan Mohd Shaffieq.

Sultan Ibrahim also presented the instruments of appointment to Malaysian Ambassador to Chile K.R. Suresh Kumar, Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Anwar Udzir, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Rafedah Abdul Aziz and Malaysian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Aznifah Isnariah Abdul Ghani. 

In a separate ceremony, His Majesty received the credentials of seven foreign envoys to Malaysia.

They are Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia Dharshana Mahendra Perera, Moroccan Ambassador to Malaysia Majid Halim, Panamanian Ambassador to Malaysia Nubiela Yanarith Ayala and Liberian Ambassador to Malaysia Dudley McKinley Thomas.

Others are Serbian Ambassador to Malaysia Ivana Golubovic-Duboka, Angolan Ambassador to Malaysia Fernando Miguel and Nigerien Ambassador to Malaysia Zada ​​Seidou. — BERNAMA

The post King presents instruments of appointment to 15 envoys appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — Setiawangsa residents will continue to receive full attention and support, including through the strengthening of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Setiawangsa Branch Office.

The assurance comes following former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s decision to vacate the area’s parliamentary seat.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh (picture) assured that services under the Federal Territories Department will continue running as usual, without any disruption.

“I have instructed Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud to help reinforce the role of the DBKL Setiawangsa Branch Office in addressing local issues, and to ensure that residents’ complaints and needs continue to receive proper attention.

“This includes adding more manpower to speed up on-the-ground action throughout this interim period,” she said in a statement today. 

Hannah added that residents can still visit, call, or submit complaints through the DBKL Setiawangsa Branch Office at D’Wangsa, 1, Jalan Wangsa Delima 13, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur. The office operates Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm.

She said residents can also contact the office by phone at 03-4142 2740 or via email at pcsw.dbkl@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, she expressed her commitment to working with all parties to continue protecting and preserving Bukit Dinding, ensuring it remains Kuala Lumpur’s green lung for the benefit of the local community. Hannah also extended her appreciation to Nik Nazmi for his service throughout his tenure.

The media reported that Nik Nazmi, along with Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, announced their resignations yesterday, effective today.

It was also reported that both MPs will submit documents regarding vacating their parliamentary seats to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, today. — BERNAMA

The post No disruption to Setiawangsa services, Hannah assures amid seat vacancy appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by HIDAYATH HISHAM

RAPID KL has activated alternative train services and free shuttle buses after a technical disruption at the Kelana Jaya station affected the Kelana Jaya LRT line today.

In a statement today, the rail operator said the disruption was caused by damage to a train component, which prevented the train from moving at the station.

“Following this, the operations team activated alternative train services and (free shuttle) buses to help passengers continue their journey,” the company said in a Facebook post.

Under the alternative arrangement, trains from Putra Heights will turn back at Ara Damansara station, while trains from Gombak will turn back at Kelana Jaya station.

Rapid KL said a feeder train service between Ara Damansara and Kelana Jaya station on Platform 2 has also been activated.

The alternative train services from Putra Heights to Ara Damansara and from Gombak to Kelana Jaya are expected to run at six-minute intervals, while the feeder train between Ara Damansara and Kelana Jaya is expected to run every eight minutes.

The company said free shuttle buses are also operating between Ara Damansara, Lembah Subang and Kelana Jaya stations, with an expected frequency of 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

“Passengers are advised to use alternative routes to continue their journey to their respective destinations, such as the Ampang/Sri Petaling Line, Kajang Line and Putrajaya Line,” the company said.

Passengers are expected to face longer waiting times at platforms, especially at Ara Damansara and Kelana Jaya stations.

Rapid KL said its technical team is currently at the location carrying out repair works to restore normal operations as soon as possible.

Auxiliary police personnel and station staff have been deployed at platforms and station concourse areas to assist passengers, while periodic announcements on train schedules are being made at stations.

Passengers have been advised to refer to Rapid KL’s social media channels or the MyRapid PULSE journey planner application for the latest status of the Kelana Jaya Line service.

The post Technical fault disrupts Kelana Jaya LRT line, Rapid KL activates shuttle buses appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

MACC’s independence and effectiveness are under scrutiny despite recovering RM16.3b through enforcement actions since 2021 

by SHAUQI WAHAB & ALISSYA ZUNIZAM 

HIGH-PROFILE corruption investigations in Malaysia have often generated intense public attention, publicised raids and major headlines only for many cases to later face prolonged delays, acquittals or unresolved outcomes that continue raising questions over the effectiveness and independence of anti-corruption enforcement. 

The debate has resurfaced following renewed scrutiny surrounding the legacy of Tan Sri Azam Baki’s tenure as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with civil society groups and analysts calling for deeper institutional reforms to restore public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption framework. 

The discussion comes despite MACC recording RM16.3 billion in seizures, forfeitures, compounds and settlements between 2021 until Feb 28, 2026, as authorities intensified actions under anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws. 

The amount was recorded through enforcement actions under the MACC Act 2009, Anti-money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) and related laws. 

Statistics released by the MACC showed settlement amounts remained the largest contributor throughout the review period, totalling RM15.83 billion while seizure and freezing actions surged to RM6.95 billion in 2025 alone. 

The statistics also showed forfeit amounts rose to RM181.9 million in 2025, while compound collections stood at RM56.9 million during the same year. 

1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was among the most prominent cases linked to Azam, who served as investigation director during the scandal. 

During the controversy, the MACC maintained that the RM2.6 billion deposited into former Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak’s account was a donation from an Arab source, with Azam claiming investigators had met the alleged donor. 

However, the High Court in 2025 later dismissed the explanation while upholding Najib’s conviction. 

Najib was subsequently charged by the MACC in 2018 over the SRC International Sdn Bhd case when Azam was deputy chief commissioner (operations). 

During his tenure as chief commissioner, former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was also charged over the Jana Wibawa project, while the MACC is currently probing the government’s RM1.1 billion deal with Arm Holdings linked to former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. 

Public’s frustration in MACC has contributed to broader criticism towards the govt, says Arief

Eroding Public Trust 

As debates continue over Azam’s legacy and the effectiveness of Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework, civil society groups are calling for deeper institutional reforms to restore public confidence in enforcement agencies. 

Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) head of research and policy advocacy Arief Hamizan said public confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption enforcement has weakened due to repeated delays, acquittals and unresolved outcomes involving several high-profile corruption investigations. 

Many major cases received extensive public attention during the investigation stage but later saw little visible progress, creating a perception that anti-corruption mechanisms were not being applied consistently or independently. 

Cases such as the Sabah mining scandal and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) document falsification controversy generated widespread frustration among civil society groups and student activists. 

The dissatisfaction stemmed largely from perceptions that MACC failed to act decisively despite intense public scrutiny surrounding the cases. 

“The impression created is that anti-corruption mechanisms are selectively applied and potentially used for political manoeuvring rather than impartial enforcement,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

The resulting frustration extended beyond the MACC itself and contributed to broader criticism towards the government. 

Protests such as the “Turun Azam Baki” rallies reflected growing public concerns that anti-corruption enforcement remained vulnerable to political influence and selective application. 

Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework currently lacks sufficient institutional independence, particularly because the MACC remains structurally tied to the Executive branch through the appointment process of its chief commissioner. 

The absence of direct parliamentary accountability also continued to undermine confidence in the agency’s impartiality and independence. 

Concerns over selective enforcement were further reinforced by comparisons between the handling of cases linked to Yayasan Akalbudi, which potentially implicated Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and investigations involving former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin. 

Daim was widely perceived as a political rival of PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

“Anti-corruption must focus on institutional and systemic reforms that cut off the opportunities for any individual to act in corrupt ways at all to begin with,” Arief said. 

Sustainable reforms should include separating the roles of attorney general and public prosecutor and reforming the MACC appointment process through Parliament. 

Measures such as an Ombudsman office, a Freedom of Information Act and political financing laws are also necessary to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public oversight. 

Mohd Hishamudin says anti-corruption efforts must remain grounded in constitutional safeguards

Rights-based Reform 

The end of Azam’s tenure has reignited debate over the balance between aggressive anti-corruption enforcement and the protection of fundamental civil liberties during his time as MACC chief. 

While his leadership was marked by several high-profile corruption probes involving politicians, corporate figures and public officials, the period also drew criticism over issues related to due process, media exposure and institutional independence. 

Following renewed public scrutiny surrounding MACC practices, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus said anti-corruption efforts must remain firmly grounded in constitutional safeguards and internationally recognised human rights principles.

“Regardless of the profile or position of an individual, investigations and prosecutions must therefore be conducted independently, professionally and free from political influence or public pressure,” he said to TMR. 

He argued that upholding due process strengthens public confidence in enforcement institutions and ensures accountability is pursued within the framework of the rule of law. 

Throughout Azam’s tenure, MACC became increasingly visible through publicised raids, arrests and investigations involving senior political leaders and prominent businessmen. 

However, Mohd Hishamudin warned that extensive publicity before charges are filed risks creating a “trial by media” environment that could undermine the presumption of innocence and damage an individual’s dignity and reputation before any court ruling is made. 

Mohd Hishamudin also voiced concern over practices involving remand detainees, particularly public presentations that may imply guilt prior to conviction. 

Individuals under investigation remain presumed innocent under the law and that enforcement agencies should exercise restraint, professionalism and proportionality in their dealings with the media. 

Beyond media exposure, he highlighted concerns over prolonged investigations and lengthy court delays in corruption cases, warning that extended uncertainty can cause reputational harm, psychological distress and erosion of public trust. 

“Justice delayed risks becoming justice denied,” he said. 

Investigations and judicial proceedings need to be conducted efficiently and within a reasonable timeframe. 

The human rights body also renewed calls for institutional reforms involving the MACC chief commissioner’s appointment process, arguing that the current structure raises concerns over perceived executive influence. 

Mohd Hishamudin proposed a more transparent and independent appointment mechanism involving parliamentary oversight and an independent selection committee, alongside stronger safeguards against arbitrary removal. 

“Ultimately, anti-corruption efforts will only be credible when they are pursued within a framework that fully respects human dignity, constitutional rights, judicial independence and internationally recognised human rights principles.” 

Leadership, High-profile Outcomes

Azam’s tenure as MACC chief has left behind mixed public perceptions regarding the effectiveness and independence of Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts, according to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) political analyst Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin. 

Reflecting on MACC enforcement trends between 2020 and 2026, the commission’s focus evolved from broad-based investigations to more selective high-profile cases involving political and corporate figures. 

However, public confidence in MACC does not necessarily depend on conviction rates alone, but rather on the visibility and perceived seriousness of the cases pursued. 

Many investigations publicised during Azam’s leadership often involved middle-management figures instead of top corporate leaders linked to large-scale financial abuse, limiting the public impact of such enforcement efforts. 

Unresolved investigations, delayed court proceedings and acquittals in several major corruption cases have contributed to growing perceptions of selective enforcement and political theatre. 

According to Shamsul, the absence of clear conclusions in some headline-grabbing probes has raised questions about consistency and impartiality within the anti-corruption framework. 

Political developments and changes in government continue to influence the trajectory of major corruption cases in Malaysia, particularly due to the PM’s perceived influence over MACC through various institutional channels. 

The extension of Azam’s contract was widely viewed by segments of the public as politically motivated and contributed to concerns regarding institutional neutrality. 

“The independence of bodies like MACC, Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and others is very important. Otherwise, these bodies are seen as easily manipulated politically,” Shamsul said. 

On the issue of lengthy corruption trials, Shamsul said the public tends to focus less on technical legal proceedings and more on the status and hierarchy of those being investigated or arrested. 

As such, unresolved cases risk weakening confidence not only in the justice system but also in the broader political structure. 

Looking ahead, Shamsul stressed that the most urgent reform lies in the hands of Azam’s successor. 

Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman clocked in as the new MACC chief on May 13. On his first day in office, he reminded officers to avoid any elements of persecution or injustice while carrying out enforcement duties and urged them to continuously improve weaknesses whenever mistakes occur, whether intentional or otherwise. 

“Challenges, constraints and obstacles in carrying out duties are inevitable, but they must be handled wisely and guided by the Act as well as established procedures and instructions,” he said when chairing the joint meeting of MACC senior directors and division directors at the commission headquarters. 

Abd Halim also acknowledged that public perception towards the MACC remains an important issue and stressed that every officer must perform their duties diligently to safeguard the commission’s credibility and integrity. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

The post Pressure mounts for structural reform of anti-corruption system appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.