PRESS STATEMENT – TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL MALAYSIA
For Immediate Release 13 March 2026
Transparency International Malaysia Reiterates Call for RCI on “Corporate Mafia” Allegations
Kuala Lumpur — Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) reiterates its call for the Government of Malaysia to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the serious allegations surrounding the so-called “corporate mafia” exposed in Bloomberg’s reporting and the wider concerns now arising over governance, accountability and possible abuse of enforcement powers.
TI-M had previously stressed, on 13 February 2026, that these allegations required independent, time-bound and credible verification in order to protect the institutional integrity of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and public confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework. Since then, public concern has only deepened.
While the government has taken certain steps, including setting up a special committee and continuing investigations into the broader issue of corporate manipulation, the matter has now reached a stage where ordinary internal or administrative processes are no longer sufficient to restore confidence. Where allegations touch the integrity of the nation’s principal anti-corruption institution, the response must be commensurate with the gravity of the issue.
Let us be clear: this is not a call to prejudge any individual or institution. The rule of law, due process and the presumption of innocence must remain paramount. However, it is precisely because these principles matter that the inquiry must be independent, transparent and beyond reasonable suspicion of institutional self-protection.
The central issue is bigger than personalities. It is about whether Malaysia is prepared to confront credible allegations that enforcement powers may have been misused in matters involving corporate control, intimidation, market-sensitive interventions and possible conflicts of interest. If left inadequately addressed, this will erode confidence not only in MACC, but in the government’s broader reform agenda, the administration of justice, and the integrity of Malaysia’s public institutions.
An RCI is now necessary for at least five reasons.
First, institutional integrity must be protected. MACC is one of the most important pillars in Malaysia’s anti-corruption architecture. It must not only be independent; it must also be seen to be independent.
Second, the allegations are exceptionally serious. They involve claims of possible misuse of investigative and enforcement powers in ways that, if true, would represent a profound abuse of public authority.
Third, public confidence cannot be rebuilt through limited internal explanations alone. Only a genuinely independent inquiry with powers to call witnesses, examine records and publish findings can establish the facts credibly.
Fourth, the matter has implications for investor confidence, market governance and the rule of law. Allegations involving listed companies, coercive pressure, corporate takeovers and enforcement interference go beyond reputational concern; they speak directly to the health of the country’s regulatory environment.
Fifth, Malaysia’s international standing is at stake. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is shaped by expert and business assessments of public-sector integrity and institutional accountability. Malaysia’s CPI improved in 2025, but TI-M has already stressed that this progress is only a step forward, not a turning point. If allegations of this magnitude are not addressed firmly, transparently and in a timely way, they will inevitably cast doubt on the seriousness of Malaysia’s reform commitments and may negatively affect future CPI performance.
TI-M therefore urges the government to do the following immediately:
1. Establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry with clear terms of reference covering the “corporate mafia” allegations, any alleged misuse of investigative authority, governance weaknesses, conflicts of interest, and institutional accountability failures.
2. Ensure that the RCI is chaired by persons of high independence, unimpeachable credibility and public trust, with full power to compel evidence and testimony.
3. Commit to the publication of the RCI’s findings and recommendations, subject only to lawful and necessary redactions.
4. Take steps to strengthen independent oversight of MACC and other enforcement bodies, including reforms to misconduct investigation mechanisms and institutional accountability arrangements.
5. Reinforce whistleblower protections and safe reporting channels, so that those with credible information can come forward without fear of retaliation.
Malaysia cannot afford hesitation on matters that go to the heart of governance. A delayed or inadequate response will only deepen public distrust and invite the perception that anti-corruption institutions themselves are beyond scrutiny.
The government must understand that credibility is not defended by denial alone; it is defended by transparent accountability.
If the MADANI administration is serious about institutional reform, clean governance and Malaysia’s aspiration to improve its standing globally, then this is the moment to act decisively.
An RCI is no longer optional. It is necessary.
Issued by:
Raymon Ram
President
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M)
