Malaysia Cracks Down on Corruption Allegations Ahead of GE16

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its chief, Azam Baki, have faced a swarm of corruption allegations, resulting in investigations and pledges to eliminate government fraud. Azam is accused of exceeding the public servant shareholding threshold oby over RM 700,000 (~USD $180,000), a claim he denies. Adding to these assertions is an allegation that MACC personnel helped select business executives in acquiring companies, which the MACC refuses to speak on. Amid growing demands for accountability and Azam’s resignation, the Malaysian Government has initiated a taskforce led by the Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar  to investigate the allegations.

Recent events have spurred Malaysia’s King to warn that all government agencies are under his “radar.” Further signaling corruption intolerance, the government tabled the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which if adopted would impose a two-term limit, a maximum of 10 years, on the tenure of Prime Minister. However, the Malaysian Parliament failed to pass the bill. Other pledges to foster openness have included an ombudsman law which enables public complaints. These efforts to combat corruption come ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), which is scheduled to take place by February 17, 2028.

This allegation has also sparked significant political responses. In line with GE16, various coalitions are positioning themselves for optimal leadership. The Bersatu party within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition coalition has seen intense infighting over party leadership. After a series of events, including Bersatu’s ousting of deputy president Hamzah Zainudin and multiple resignations, including that of the party’s president, Muhyiddin Yassin, the Parti Islam SeMalaysia’s (PAS) leadership drought ended. On February 22, Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was confirmed as the PN’s new chairman.