KUALA LUMPUR (May 14): Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has called on the newly minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into “corporate mafia” allegations which could affect confidence in Malaysia’s markets and institutions.
The Cabinet has reportedly directed the police, the MACC and the Securities Commission Malaysia to investigate the matter thoroughly and transparently.
"I think the first thing that the new chief commissioner can do is to look into this and conduct a thorough and transparent probe into these allegations.
“I am told that the investigation is underway. We have got a new chief commissioner now and I think Datuk Seri Halim should actually look at how he can ensure that there is a very transparent investigation into this,” Gobind told The Edge on the sidelines of The Asian Banker Summit 2026 on Thursday.
The minister, who is also DAP national chairman, said the matter should not be “left hanging” and stressed that the MACC must demonstrate that investigations were being carried out thoroughly and transparently.
"We need to see affirmative steps taken by the MACC to show that they are actually investigating this. And I will continuously raise this in the Cabinet.”
“As I keep saying, it's really about confidence. The allegations that have been made are allegations that will impact not just domestic confidence in our markets, but also investors who are looking at Malaysia as a destination for their investment,” he said.
“I think ultimately, this is not something that can be left hanging, there must be a finality to it,” Gobind added.
The “corporate mafia” allegations surfaced in a Bloomberg article titled “Who’s Watching Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog?” published on Feb 12, which raised concerns over allegations of MACC officials’ involvement in forced takeovers of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia, in collusion with several corporate figures.
The report alleged that executives and shareholders were pressured through intimidation to resign or sell their shares at heavily discounted prices to a group of connected businessmen.
The MACC and its then chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki have denied the allegations.
Azam retired as MACC chief commissioner on Tuesday (May 12) after his tenure was extended three times beyond the mandatory retirement age. He was succeeded by Abdul Halim, whose appointment took effect on Wednesday (May 13).