Anti-corruption authorities have previously launched a high-profile crackdown against two-time former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, his family and close associates – all once seen as untouchables – as part of Anwar’s pledge to dismantle top-level corruption under his watch.
But Anwar’s campaign has hit numerous snags since he declared war on corruption in 2023, with doubts mounting over his ability to rid the scourge that has cost the country billions of dollars.
Anwar’s senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, announced on Tuesday that he had resigned to “defend myself” against attacks linked to issues that could “harm the image of the government”.
Shamsul did not specify the nature of the attacks, but his resignation came just hours after claims surfaced that he had reportedly taken over 600,000 ringgit (US$144,600) in bribes from a businessman linked to a mining scandal in Sabah state.
On Wednesday, Anwar said he accepted Shamsul’s resignation, adding that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) “is free” to conduct immediate investigations without any external interference.
