MCA Youth: Madani makes a mockery of clean governance with Azam Baki’s appt to NFCC

 

THE appointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki to the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) Advisory Board despite his departure as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner does nothing to restore public confidence.

On the contrary, it further undermines the government’s credibility on integrity, accountability and anti-corruption reform.

Regardless of the capacity in which he has been appointed, Azam Baki remains the subject of serious and unresolved questions over his integrity, including controversies surrounding alleged abuse of power, extraordinary shareholdings and claims relating to the so-called “corporate mafia”.

Until these matters have been independently and conclusively addressed, MCA Youth believes the NFCC should immediately suspend his advisory appointment in the interest of institutional integrity and public confidence.

The NFCC is not an ordinary advisory body. It serves as Malaysia’s central platform for coordinating the prevention, detection and enforcement of financial crimes by bringing together key institutions such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the MACC, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

Given its mandate and influence, those entrusted to advise the NFCC must not only possess the necessary expertise but also command unquestionable integrity and public trust.

It is therefore difficult to accept the Madani government’s claim that Azam was appointed solely in his personal capacity.

Is Madani protecting Azam?

The NFCC advisory board comprises the country’s highest-ranking institutional leaders, including the Attorney-General (AG), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the IRB’s CEO and one of BNM’s deputy governors.

Had Azam never helmed the MACC would he have been nominated and appointed to such a position? The answer is self-evident.

The government insists that his appointment is unrelated to his former office. However, while multiple controversies involving him remain unresolved, the appropriate course of action would have been for him to step aside from any prominent public appointment.

That is the standard expected of anyone entrusted with safeguarding public institutions. It is essential not only to preserve the independence of any ongoing investigations but also to protect public confidence in the integrity of our institutions.

What is even more troubling is that the controversies surrounding Azam have remained unresolved for years.

Instead of confronting legitimate public concerns, successive governments have appeared content to allow the matter to fade without meaningful accountability.

Calls from across the political divide, civil society organisations and the wider public for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) have been repeatedly ignored.

The government’s continued refusal to establish such an inquiry raises fundamental questions. Why is it unwilling to allow an independent investigation? Why does it continue to defend Azam despite the persistent cloud over his tenure? The Malaysian public deserves clear and credible answers.

Tan Sri Azam Baki during his MACC heydays

Retaining Azam on the NFCC advisory board while these questions remain unanswered sends precisely the wrong message.

It weakens confidence in the Madani government’s commitment to reform and risks reducing its promises of clean governance under the Madani agenda to little more than political rhetoric.

Therefore, MCA Youth calls on the Madani government to immediately suspend Azam Baki’s appointment to the NFCC advisory board, provide a full explanation to the public and establish a RCI to determine the facts once and for all.

Restoring confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption institutions requires transparency, accountability and the political will to place integrity above personalities. 

Business development actuary Saw Yee Fung is MCA Youth secretary-general.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

-Focus Malaysia.

Hannah Yeoh on 'copy-paste' manifestos: 'Almost every party is addressing the same issues'

 

DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh (right): “Why should it be questioned if there are manifestos that appear similar? It’s good for the people.”-BERNAMA PIC

JOHOR BARU: Claims that election manifestos are merely "copy-paste" documents should not arise, said DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said similarities in the manifestos offered by contesting parties reflect the people's issues that need to be addressed.

"On welfare issues, I think all candidates talk about them. Housing is also an issue. Almost every party is addressing the same issues because these are the people's concerns.

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"So why should it be questioned if there are manifestos that appear similar? It's good for the people," she told Bernama after attending the "Chit Chat Wanita" programme and the launch of the "Offer for Tiram" initiative here today.

Hannah said this in response to claims by certain quarters that Pakatan Harapan's (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor election was a "copy-paste" of the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto.

Hannah said DAP has shown its commitment to empowering women by fielding eight female candidates among the party's 17 candidates.

She said women candidates have the potential to become policymakers and are capable of taking on major portfolios, and could even serve as menteri besar if given the mandate.

She cited Tiram candidate Nor Zulaila Abd Ghani as an example, who has 12 years of experience in administration at the local authority, state and federal levels.

"We have good candidates. Lily (Nor Zulaila), for example, challenges stereotypes and is unique because her mother is Malay and her father is Chinese. Candidates like her can help put racial issues to rest," she said.

Nor Zulaila is involved in a four-cornered contest with BN, Parti Bersama Malaysia and Perikatan Nasional candidates.

PH is contesting all 56 seats in the state election.

Polling is on July 11 and early voting on July 7. - NST

Anwar questions ‘impatient’ dissolution of Johor assembly ahead of July 11 polls

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the Kita Genk Madani Johor programme in Kulai on July 4, 2026. — Bernama pic

KULAI, July 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took a veld swipe at caretake Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today, questioning the early dissolution of the state assembly before the end of its mandated term.

Without naming Onn Hafiz directly, Anwar described the state Barisan Nasional (BN) chief as "impatient" in calling for the snap poll, noting that elections are typically held every four to five years.

In a moment of levity, he remarked that the earlier an election is called, the greater the risk of having more to lose.

“To the young people out there, please remember that this is your future and your country,” Anwar told the crowd at the youth-oriented Kita Genk Madani X Anak Muda Bukit Batu programme at Taman Tropika.

“Strengthen your determination for the future of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Iban and Kadazan. Remember, only when we have a future together, can this state be strong.”

The prime minister was accompanied by Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching and Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Bukit Batu candidate, Arthur Chiong Sen Sern.

Anwar clarified that his visit to Johor was not intended to spark a confrontation, but rather to remind voters of their agency in shaping the state's trajectory.

“I am not here to pick a fight. I came to let the voters know that they have a voice,” he said. “There are changes needed and the election is a way to help the people through with the offers given.”

Addressing the political stakes with a touch of irony, he added: “If Johor wins, I am the prime minister. If Johor loses, I am still the prime minister.” He noted that he was not being arrogant, but was simply offering a reminder of the broader political reality.

Anwar further highlighted the federal government's commitment to Johor's progress, citing the various allocations provided to drive development. “So, I hope the people understand that this election is about maintaining the existing policy and not about picking fights,” he said.

The upcoming Johor state election will feature 172 candidates vying for 56 seats. Polling day is scheduled for July 11, with early voting taking place on July 7. -  malaymail

Termites to blame for tree fall that damaged two houses in Penang, say residents

 

GEORGE TOWN: A century-old tree along Jalan Batu Gantung, outside the Penang Turf Club, recently came crashing down after it was believed to have been weakened by termite infestation, damaging two houses.

Following the incident, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has agreed to compensate the affected homeowners for their losses and bear the cost of repairs.

However, as two other century-old trees remain in the area, residents fear a repeat of the incident.

They are urging the authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the trees and take appropriate measures to safeguard the lives and property of nearby residents.

Residents also called on the council to make its tree inspection reports public, saying they had repeatedly complained about termite infestation in the trees long before Thursday's incident.

The tree, identified by MBPP as a 130-year-old Angsana tree (Pterocarpus indicus), fell during a storm between 7.15pm and 9pm on Thursday (July 2), damaging the compounds of two houses and three cars. No one was injured.

MBPP said the tree, about 25m tall with a girth of 9.8m, had been inspected in April and was found to be in good condition.

A visit to the site on Saturday (July 4) found that the fallen trunk had yet to be fully removed, while damaged roofing, broken branches and debris remained scattered around one of the affected homes.

A homeowner's daughter, Parveen, 49, claimed the family had repeatedly alerted MBPP to termite infestation in the tree but said only branch pruning was carried out.

She questioned the council's assessment that the tree had been healthy and urged it to make its arborist's report public.

"I understand these trees are part of our heritage, but they must be properly maintained and inspected regularly," she said.

Parveen added that while MBPP agreed to compensate the family, they expected quality repair works and wanted the council to take full responsibility for the damage.

A nearby elderly care centre also narrowly escaped being hit when the tree fell.

Caring Retirement Home supervisor, S. Gayathri, 36, said complaints about termite infestation had been made even before the centre began operating there about seven years ago.

She said large branches frequently fell during strong winds and the tree, although appearing healthy externally, had apparently been hollowed out by termites.

Resident Datuk Chan Swee Teik, whose house is fronted by one of the two remaining century-old Angsana trees, said he had spent RM2,000 on termite treatment when he moved into the area 10 years ago and continues to pay about RM400 annually for inspections and treatment.

He said residents were now worried the remaining trees could also collapse and urged MBPP to conduct thorough internal assessments instead of relying solely on external inspections.

"We want the council to ensure these trees are structurally safe to protect lives and property," he said. - Star

No discrimination in state allocation distribution - Zafrul

 

Putrajaya does not practise political discrimination or marginalise any state when channeling allocations and bringing in investments, said senior political adviser to the prime minister, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Instead, he said the federal government ensures that the benefits of development are enjoyed fairly by all people.

Zafrul, who is also the chairperson of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), said the commitment was proven when Johor recorded a high market investment of RM110 billion last year, thus showing that the government prioritises the economic potential and development needs, not the political colour of a state.

“For example, when we as Mida go to Tokyo, Osaka, China, or Seoul, we never say bring (investment) to Selangor or bring it to Penang just because those two states are under PH (Pakatan Harapan) administration. We do not see it from that angle.

“What is important for us is to make sure that the development is felt by all Malaysians,” he told Bernama after attending an engagement meeting with Segamat district industry players today.

Zafrul said this in response to the perception by some quarters that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Harapan chairperson, is focusing on the northern part of Johor to campaign for the state polls because of certain political motives.

Addressing development gaps

He explained that the frequency of working visits by the federal government leadership to the northern part of Johor is an official recognition to bridge the development gap, as the area has received less attention before.

“To be fair, the prime minister is focusing on all states and all parts of Johor, not just the north or the south.

“But it is a recognition by the prime minister that this northern area has received less support or attention from the Johor state government before.

“That is why we are starting a series of tours in northern Johor to show that we want development at every level and area,” he said.

Zafrul said the claim that the federal government is marginalising the state administration is just a political statement aimed at creating a negative perception.

He added that the extraordinary economic boom in Johor at the moment is driven by close cooperation between the federal government and the state.

Johor will be going to the polls on July 11, while the early voting is on July 7.

- Bernama

I've no intention to quarrel with anyone, PM says in Johor

 

JOHOR POLLS | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today that his presence in Johor amid campaigning for the state polls was to safeguard the implementation of policies that benefit the people.

Speaking at a Youth and Sports Ministry “Genk Madani’ “Safe Internet” event in Tampoi, Anwar also stressed that he does not intend to quarrel with any parties.

“This election is about how we can help. Has Johor not received assistance? It has. A lot of funding has come from the federal government. But sometimes people speak arrogantly!

“I’m not here to pick a fight. I’m here to tell you that we have a voice. So, vote. Be a little wiser,” he said.

“I hope everyone understands that this election is about safeguarding our policies. It’s not about parties fighting one another.

“If we win Johor, I’m still the prime minister. If we lose Johor, I’m still the prime minister.

“So, it’s not that I’m being arrogant, but let me offer a gentle reminder: be a little more careful with what you say,” said Anwar.

Anwar did not mention any names but the Pakatan Harapan chairperson’s reminder follows a recent verbal spat with caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi about the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) master plan.

‘Give Harapan more time’

Without naming Harapan’s Johor election rivals, Anwar also urged some 400 attendees to give his coalition more time.

“Give us a bit of time. How many years were they in power? They governed for 65 years.

“They expect us to get everything right in just two or three years,” he said.

Anwar went on to list federal-level policies that benefited the people, including various forms of direct cash assistance.

“In these three years, we’ve introduced the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara).

“Has anyone here received Sara? Did you have to queue? […] Can it be increased? Yes, it can. But I can’t announce that now,” he quipped.

“There’s no queuing. This is modern. The money goes straight into your account.

“If you still don’t know that, then change the government,” he added.

In his speech, Anwar also credited the attendance of Youth and Sports Minister Taufiq Johari, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Human Resource Minister R Ramanan, and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching - who is also the Kulai MP.

The function organised by the Malaysian Youth Council was held in the Bukit Batu constituency under the Kulai parliament, where PKR’s sole incumbent Arthur Chiong is defending his seat in a five-way contest against BN, Bersama, Muda and an independent candidate. - Mkini