Aliran has released this statement. Do you agree with call to set up a royal commission of inquiry?
Aliran is encouraged to note that the government has finally grasped the gravity of the allegations that have surfaced against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s chief commissioner and some of its officers.
These unsettling allegations have increasingly become a matter of public concern.
However, given the magnitude of the allegations that have emerged from recent Bloomberg reporting, we call for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry rather than a task force.
While the questionable acquisition of shares by MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki warrants investigation, Bloomberg has made a far more serious allegation. This concerns the alleged use of MACC officers by a certain group of business people to intimidate senior officials of targeted companies with the ultimate objective of taking over these companies at suppressed valuations.
This allegation, if true, represents an existential threat to our capital markets and our credibility as an investment destination. Such alleged machinations would severely compromise the independence and integrity of the commission, whose fundamental purpose is the combating of corruption.
More critically, these allegations point to the potential capture of state institutions by a certain group. If true, this would strike at the very foundation of our regulatory framework and economic governance.
The implications extend far beyond individual misconduct. These allegations, if substantiated, would shatter our regulatory credibility and our ability to demonstrate predictable and rational economic investment behaviour in the eyes of international markets.
To ensure that investigations can be carried out effectively without any internal interference or hindrance, we call for Azam and all other implicated MACC officers (if any) to be relieved of their duties and placed on garden leave until investigations are completed.
READ MORE: Azam Baki’s retirement hints cannot distract from dire need for structural MACC reforms
The government’s plan to set up a task force that would submit a report to the cabinet is simply not enough. This would be widely perceived as merely an internal probe that lacks the credibility and public trust necessary to address allegations of this magnitude.
Only a royal commission of inquiry, with full investigative powers, independent membership and public transparency, can adequately examine these serious allegations and restore confidence in our institutions. This royal commission must comprise individuals who are independent of and not members of the current administration. Its report should be made available in the public domain for maximum transparency.
We therefore urge the government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and institutional integrity by establishing a royal commission immediately
Beyond this immediate crisis, we call for key structural reforms to safeguard the MACC’s independence and integrity.
First, the MACC must be removed from the Prime Minister’s Department and placed under parliamentary oversight. This would eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure the commission operates free from executive interference.
Second, the appointment of the MACC chief commissioner must be subject to vetting and approval by a bipartisan parliamentary select committee. This would ensure transparency, accountability and broad-based confidence in the leadership of this critical institution.
These structural reforms are essential to prevent future compromises of the MACC’s integrity and to restore public trust in Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework.
Aliran executive committee
14 February 2026
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Happy Chinese New Year to all!
Heng! Ong! Huat!
Horsey!
The 2026 Year of the Horse symbolizes rapid prosperity, vitality, and strong progress, with the Lunar New Year falling on February 17. It is viewed as a year for bold, swift action—representing “success immediately” (mǎ shàng yǒu fú)—and is associated with high energy, independence, and career advancement.
The 2026 Penang Miaohui (Temple Fair) will be held on February 21, 2026 (5th Day of Chinese New Year), from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the George Town Heritage Zone. Themed “The Journey of Decoding” (解码之旅), this 26th edition focuses on exploring the wisdom and stories behind cultural heritage, featuring clan hall exhibitions, traditional performances, and 120+ food vendors.
Event Date: 21/02/2026, Saturday
Event Time: 4.00pm – 11.00pm
Event Venue: Heritage Precinct of George Town, Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Investors should seize economic opportunities in Penang by mid-year, when prospects are expected to peak before tapering off towards year-end, according to a prediction during the annual flame-watching ceremony at [a temple] in Bayan Lepas.
The “chneah hoay” ceremony, saw sacred flames ignited 3 times from an incense urn on the altar at intervals of about one minute, with each flame representing the outlook for a four-month period of the year.
The Chinese community, especially the Hokkien ethnic group, flooded the village of Chew Jetty, Pengkalan Weld at the Bai Ti Gong celebration in George Town, Penang, Tuesday (Feb 24) night. The Hokkien community celebrates the festival on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year. The celebration is believed to have originated from the historical story of the Ming Dynasty, when the Hokkien community in Fujian, China, survived a pirate attack after hiding in a nine-day sugar cane farm.
Step into the sensory overload of the annual Penang Miaohui (庙会)! While the incense smoke clears and the lion dancers rest, the real story of Penang begins to unfold. This year, C Kology went beyond the vibrant performances to dig deep into the roots of this UNESCO city.
This is really an attraction for foreign tourists to Singapore. My family enjoy it very much.
There are too many corruption cases lately – It all seems to be centred on one [group]. It may be a coincidence, as it is mainly with either the Government or linked companies and conglomerates. To avoid a repeat, it is time the Government commissioned a study into why this happened and whether it is because of the affirmative policies that resulted in wealth without having to work for it.
There is usually 2 groups, a giving group and a receiving one.
This issue is about 5 years old. MACC has at least 3 “advisory committees”. A member of one raised this issue. As no action was taken, he resigned.
What’s the role of the advisory committees. Please clarify. What was the issue raised?
The role is cosmetic. Monthly income counts. This is Bolehland.
We need Azam Baki to stay on as MACC Chief … Anwar and Azam Baki are dead serious in fighting corruption. People like Rafizi, Albert Tei and DAP should respect that.
Leaders from the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement will join protest against MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki outside the commission’s headquarters in Putrajaya.
MACC has arrested a Terengganu state executive councillor this morning over suspicion of abusing
his position. The unnamed suspect, who is an elected representative in his 60s, had allegedly abused his power to make two state government-linked companies (GLCs) hire his two children.
A tribute to young Penangites who continue their parents’ hawker trade despite the lure of Singapore dollar to work in the red dot:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rs4NtGr2ZQs
Happy New Year.
“heritage fatigue” is a real threat in Penang:
Laborious Nature: Many young Penangites are deterred by the 12-hour shifts in high heat. A 2019 report by the Penang Institute noted that only about 20% of hawkers had a definitive succession plan.
Modernization: To attract younger tradespeople, there is a push for “smart kiosks” (solar-powered, better ventilation) and digitalization. The goal is to move CKT from “laborer’s food” to a “boutique culinary profession.”
[One] uncle vomitted blood. Morning fried elsewhere then continue at market, for hard earned ringgit (just count the eggs cracked up daily) at the expense of health.
Let’s be reminded not too obsessed with money elsewhere may have to check into Hotel Penang [hospital] and can never check out…..
Authentic Penang hawkers have migrated to or feature frequently in Singapore, bringing iconic dishes like Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and Lor Mee to local hawker centres. Notable examples include “Penang Man” at Woodleigh Village and various pop-up events featuring veteran chefs like Toon Chin Hye (Ah Soon Fried Oyster).
In S’pore, hawkers even bid for lots in (some?) food courts. But the rules for them and customers are published and unambiguous.
Can Malaysia learn from Singapore’s pedestrian walkways?
“But why doesn’t Malaysia want to learn and implement what Singapore has done — providing user-friendly, covered pedestrian walkways that are well connected to various locations?
“How much longer will Malaysia continue to struggle to implement something like this?”
https://thesun.my/going-viral/malaysia-learn-singapore-on-how-to-improve-walkways/
Penang Island City Council has built a 172-metre covered pedestrian walkway along Jalan Utama, from Jalan Penjara to Jalan Datok Keramat, completed in August 2024. This walkway is part of a long-term plan to develop a network of sheltered walkways across Penang.
We are willing to learn from any big contractor, con-sultant or Mat Salleh government, but never Singapore.
Johor sells raw water cheaply to Singapore. Singapore treat the water … then sell the water back to Johor at a profit!
EPF must not learn from Singapore CPF to give only 2.5% annual dividend.
Malaysia melatih emosi demi bangsa
Singapore melatih minda demi teknologi
Technology is not some magical value or virtue. For prosperity, peace, progress or even tech, you must have social stability, equity, public order and no foreign bullies. All of which starts with respect for others.
Azam has the right to sue Bloomberg for defamation but he should be careful not to fall into an entrapment. Bloomberg is not that easy to bully as they wont publish a story without evidences backing them up. Bloomberg and WSJ are renowned for their unbiased reporting. They are no easy walkover. Bloomberg has the time and resources to go all the way but will Azam has what he takes to be. … It is very interesting, challenging and intriguing to find and follow this development as they are played out. There can be only be one winner and a… Read more »
A “communications plan” allegedly linked to the late Daim Zainuddin’s family’s purported bid to “preserve” the former finance minister’s reputation has made the rounds on social media.
The 13-page document, which appears to have been prepared in August last year, bore the logo of a New York-headquartered global strategic advisory and communications firm. The document circulated online also appears not to include pages eight to 11.
Why did the DAP-led state government not introduce a gradual, phased revision of quit rent over the past two decades? The administration has governed the state for nearly 20 years and was fully aware that quit rent had not been revised for around 30 years. If adjustments were inevitable, why the sudden implementation of increases ranging from 29% to 200%, effectively three to four times the current rate in some cases? For many households, this is not a minor correction but a significant financial shock. Penangites are already facing rising assessment rates, higher water tariffs, electricity costs, Indah Water charges… Read more »
“ Action against govt officials, agencies must be grounded in law, says PM “
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/19/action-against-govt-officials-agencies-must-be-grounded-in-law-says-pm
========
“He said all complaints should be handled in accordance with legal procedures and brought before the courts as necessary.”
That was the same position he previously took in relation to his deputy, that the principle of innocent until proven guilty should apply.
On 24 January 2022, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Ahmad Zahid, requiring him to enter his defence.
A few months later, a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) was granted.
Then on 9 January 2026, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) classified all 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds as No Further Action (NFA), citing insufficient evidence to proceed.
If the court had earlier found a prima facie case, how did the matter ultimately end in DNAA and then NFA?
When significant shifts occur in a high-profile case involving senior members of the government, clear and transparent explanations become essential.
Without that clarity, public confidence in the consistency and independence of the legal process becomes difficult to sustain.
Has the state also examined the number of positions held by politicians, whether holding multiple posts and earning multiple incomes places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers?
Before raising revenue from the public, is the state tightening its own belt?
Fiscal discipline should begin internally, not externally. Not every resident lives in luxury or runs a large business.
Many ordinary Penangites are simply trying to keep up.
Leadership is ultimately judged not by how much revenue is collected, but by how responsibly it is spent and how carefully public burdens are weighed.
Politicians allegedly care for you to fill their own pockets. Don’t be scammed during GE16 empty promises as manifestos are just a luring trap
PAS will not give up, says Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, adding that it is still not impossible to form a grand Malay-Muslim umbrella coalition.
Calling for a return to unity grounded in Islam, the party’s deputy president said that revisiting the PAS-Umno-Bersatu alliance pursued during the 15th General Election to forge a united Malay-Muslim political force would become increasingly challenging as long as divisions persist within the ummah (Muslim community).
“First phase of PIA expansion 98% complete, says exco “
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/03/11/first-phase-of-pia-expansion-98-complete-says-exco
========
Exco Wong, most importantly, please make sure the airport does not leak during heavy rain after it is completed.
Aiya, what is going on with this group of people? Every other week there seems to be a new warning, a new enemy, a new story about the country being under threat. Sickening lah. One moment we are told by a political leader that Malaysia is under danger from internal elements and foreign political influence from the West, allegedly part of a conspiracy to destabilise the country. Then another leader from a religious group suddenly warns of a completely different threat, this time from South Asia, allegedly linked to religious elements. Sometimes the issues are actually just simple local matters.… Read more »
Misguided young followers who are already emotional or easily influenced may take these words very seriously and react in ways that create anger, hostility or even conflict. Words carry weight, especially in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like ours. Leaders should calm the situation, not pour petrol on the fire. Malaysia has always survived because people of different backgrounds learned to live together with mutual respect. We have bigger issues to focus on – the economy, jobs, cost of living, education, and building a stable future for our children. Yet instead of addressing these real challenges, some individuals seem more interested… Read more »
And then there are those with the “tanah kami” mentality who behave as if this country belongs only to them and no one else. That kind of thinking is dangerous and completely ignores the reality of Malaysia’s history and society. This nation was built by many communities working together over generations. The sad part is that those pushing such narratives rarely think about the consequences. They do not seem to care about the damage it causes to national harmony or the anxiety it creates among ordinary citizens. Sometimes it feels like there is some selfish agenda behind all this noise… Read more »
Malaysia does not need more fear-mongering. What the country needs is responsible leadership, clear facts, and a commitment to protecting harmony among all Malaysians. If there are real threats, present the evidence and let the proper authorities deal with it professionally. But if there is no solid proof, then reckless statements only divide the Rakyat and weaken the very country these people claim they want to protect. Civilizations survive not by amplifying fear, but by disciplining it with evidence and reason. Malaysia, like any complex society, sits on a delicate ecosystem of trust. Disturb that too often, and the damage… Read more »
” Protest near BM hospital called off following police intervention ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/120409/protest-near-bm-hospital-called-off-following-police-intervention
========
“ which is some 40km from Penang. “ Wrong description . It gives the impression that Bukit Mertajam is somewhere outside of the state of Penang.
It should be descripted as :
Bukit Mertajam is a town located within the state of Penang, Malaysia, specifically situated on the mainland part known as Seberang Perai. It is approximately 20 km from George Town, the capital of Penang.
yes by all means.The Royal Commission should set everything out with transparency and integrity for all
Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, a Chinese-Muslim preacher in Malaysia, is a subject of intense, recurring controversy due to his active role in proselytization (da’wah), particularly his methods regarding the conversion of minors and his views on social/religious issues. He is seen by some as an active preacher but is frequently criticized for advocating practices that appear to disregard non-Muslim parental rights and existing legal frameworks.
Yes, these converts have been allowed to run their mouths quite freely, haven’t they? What could be their reason for this, and what is the overall reason ?
When one preaches that their religion is better than others and derides them, what does that imply?
Does it suggest that my product is better than yours, like in some commercial sales pitch?
How absurd is that?
What does religion truly stand for?
PAS has also clearly shown that it sorely lacks talents (other than religious talents of course). It took so long for them to name Samsuri as PN Chairman and now they have none to take over as opposition leader from Hamzah Zainuddin.
So PAS can only play second fiddle in any coalition govt. perhaps with UMNO. Thus it is imperative that DAP must step up to the plate to ensure PAS and UMNO do not obtain 2/3 majority that may affect our secular way of life and governance.
Yes, they may lack certain ‘ talents ‘ but that is not the reason why it took them so long to name a PN chairman. The lateness is due to internal disagreements.
“ When Actions Do Not Match The Stated Objective “ ======== The behaviour of this group – Gerakan Anti-Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) – raises a serious and legitimate question. The issue they are highlighting has already received attention from the highest levels of authority in the country down to the relevant state leadership and enforcement agencies. When an issue reaches that level, it normally means the matter has already entered the proper administrative process. Land matters are not simple issues that can be resolved overnight. They involve verification of land records, legal procedures, planning considerations and sometimes relocation arrangements. These… Read more »
If the objective were genuinely the enforcement of land law, the normal course of action would be to compile documentation, file the necessary legal complaints, engage with the state land office and, if required, pursue the matter through the courts. Instead, what we are witnessing are public protests, social media mobilisation and continued agitation even after the authorities have acknowledged the issue. This creates a clear mismatch between the stated objective and the actions being taken. Public agitation does not assist an administrative process that is already underway. On the contrary, it risks creating unnecessary tension and disharmony while the… Read more »
That naturally raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: if the real goal is resolution, why pursue a path that inflames public sentiment instead of working with the authorities responsible for the matter?
The pattern suggests that the issue may be serving a purpose beyond simply resolving a land administration matter. Whether that purpose is to mobilize supporters, shape Rakyat sentiment or pursue some other agenda is not yet clear.
But when actions consistently diverge from the stated objective, it becomes reasonable for the Rakyat to ask what the real objective might be.
“What have you been doing all this time, Steven Sim?” he wrote on his Facebook page. “If you are truly loyal to the country, you should not allow people to steal the nation’s land.” said the convert. ======== What exactly is this convert talking about? Land matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state. What authority does he have to speak about land issues in the state of Penang? Did the state authorize this convert to act on its behalf? If not, why is he being so kaypoh? It is not his grandfather’s land, is it? When a person comes… Read more »
This seems to be a year of controversy involving certain converts. One alleged convert in Kuantan reportedly desecrated a holy book, yet few have asked what motivated such an act. Now, another individual who is a convert has called for a protest and the demolition of a shrine in Bukit Mertajam. Whatever reasons these individuals had for converting, their recent actions raise serious questions about judgment and responsibility. What steps will the state government, particularly the Chief Minister, or the Deputy Chief Ministers 1 and 2, take to prevent tensions from escalating? Governance requires foresight. Public order must be protected… Read more »