Overview
- Senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin resigned on Tuesday, saying he stepped down to defend himself from attacks he warned could damage the government’s image.
- His exit followed reports alleging he took more than 600,000 ringgit from a businessman linked to a Sabah mining scandal; the claims have not been proven in court.
- On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he accepted the resignation and affirmed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission can conduct immediate investigations.
- The development is being cast as a setback for Anwar’s anti-corruption campaign launched in 2023, which has faced repeated challenges.
- Authorities under the campaign have pursued high-profile probes involving former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, his family and associates.