Issues & Incidents
Major Malaysian political issues and scandals, each consolidated into a single page: a fact-based analysis, a dated timeline, a relationship graph of the people and organisations involved, and a curated collection of news articles.
Littoral Combat Ship scandal
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project is a Malaysian defence procurement scandal involving a RM9 billion contract awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy. By 2022, none of the ships had been delivered despite billions paid, prompting investigations into cost overruns, design changes, and alleged misappropriation. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) opened probes and charged individuals linked to the project. In 2023, MACC sought more witnesses in the investigation, and in 2026, Malaysia launched the third littoral combat ship.
Scorpene & Altantuya case
The Scorpene submarine deal and the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu are interlinked controversies in Malaysia. Altantuya, associated with an individual involved in the submarine procurement, was murdered in 2006; two police bodyguards were convicted of her killing. Allegations of commissions in the submarine deal have been investigated in Malaysia and pursued in French courts, with ongoing legal and public scrutiny.
Rafizi Ramli ARM deal
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli regarding a RM1.1 billion investment deal with British chip designer Arm Holdings. The probe stems from allegations linked to James Chai, Rafizi's former political aide, who has been questioned by MACC multiple times. Rafizi has been summoned, questioned, and has submitted documents related to the deal, while maintaining confidence in his documentation. MACC has recommended charges against two individuals in connection with the Arm Holdings case.
Najib Razak pardon & house arrest
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was imprisoned in 2022 over the SRC International case linked to 1MDB. In early 2024, the Pardons Board halved his 12-year sentence to six years and reduced his fine. Najib's lawyers subsequently sought to enforce an alleged 'house arrest addendum' issued by the former King to allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home, leading to a series of legal challenges.
Sabah mineral licence bribery
In late 2024, leaked video recordings appeared to show Sabah state assemblymen discussing or accepting payments in connection with the award of mineral exploration licences, triggering a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation. The case, widely referred to as the 'Sabah graft' or mining-licence scandal, raised questions about state resource governance and political financing. Multiple individuals, including businessman Albert Tei and former Sabah assemblymen, have been charged in relation to bribery allegations over mining licences. While some probes into figures like Farhash Wafa were closed with no case found, the investigation into Albert Tei and others remains ongoing, with his trial set for April 2026.
GISB welfare home abuse
In September 2024, Malaysian authorities launched coordinated raids on welfare homes and businesses linked to Global Ihsan Sejahtera Berhad (GISBH), a conglomerate associated with the banned Al-Arqam movement, rescuing over 572 children and uncovering allegations of widespread physical and sexual abuse. The investigation led to numerous arrests, charges, and scrutiny of oversight mechanisms for charitable institutions. The case has prompted national debate on child protection failures and institutional accountability.
Tun Daim wealth probe
Tun Daim Zainuddin, former Malaysian Finance Minister, was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over unexplained wealth linked to the Pandora Papers. The investigation led to charges in January 2024 for failing to declare assets, which he denied and called politically motivated. Daim died on 13 November 2024, causing the criminal charge to abate, while civil forfeiture proceedings against his family and estate continued. MACC identified assets worth over RM3 billion across 11 countries as part of its probe.
Jana Wibawa scandal
The Jana Wibawa scandal involves allegations of corruption and money laundering related to a government programme awarding contracts to Bumiputera contractors during the Perikatan Nasional administration. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigated the programme, leading to criminal charges against former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and others linked to Bersatu. The trial began on March 9, 2026, with proceedings ongoing as of May 2026, including witness testimonies and prosecutorial claims about hundreds of millions of ringgit flowing into Bersatu accounts.
Batu Puteh RCI
A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) was established in 2024 to examine the Malaysian government's 2018 decision to discontinue legal efforts to review the International Court of Justice ruling that awarded Pedra Branca (Batu Puteh) to Singapore. The RCI investigated who was responsible for dropping the review and its implications for national sovereignty, with hearings focusing on former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The inquiry concluded with recommendations for a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir over alleged cheating in the Batu Puteh dispute, which the panel described as revealing 'treachery' against Malaysia.
1MDB
In June 2026, Malaysian courts reinforced Najib Razak's culpability in the 1MDB scandal, citing his lack of remorse and central role in siphoning funds as key factors in upholding his prison sentence and financial penalties. Judges described the scale of 1MDB looting as making 'Attila the Hun look like a choirboy' in extensive rulings. Ongoing legal actions include asset seizures abroad, such as the freezing of funds in Barbados and the seizure of Jho Low's villa in Cyprus, and jurisdictional disputes over lawsuits against UK law firms.
Teoh Beng Hock
Teoh Beng Hock, a political aide, was found dead on July 16, 2009, after being questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam. His death was initially ruled as suicide by an inquest but widely suspected as foul play by his family and civil society groups. The case has undergone multiple inquests, a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) in 2011, and sustained public demands for accountability. As recently as May 2025, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) classified the probe as 'no further action' (NFA), while the family continues to seek a murder investigation and accountability for MACC officers involved.
Azam Baki share-trading scandal
Azam Baki, chief commissioner of Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has faced ongoing scrutiny since at least 2022 regarding his shareholdings and trading activities, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Allegations emerged about his ownership of shares in listed companies, including Velocity Capital, which he has consistently denied, stating he holds zero company shares since July 2025. The issue has prompted public protests, government inquiries into civil servant share ownership rules, and legal actions, including defamation suits filed by Baki against media outlets and individuals over reports he claims are libellous.