KUALA NERUS, June 6 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today launched MACCAMPUS, a digital platform incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification to strengthen integrity education and anti-corruption awareness among tertiary students.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the initiative reflects their commitment to engaging university students in enhancing integrity education, corruption prevention and positive values through smartphones and information technology applications.

“To ensure MACC remains capable of engaging university students consistently and effectively, it requires a more innovative, interactive and technology-driven educational approach,” he said when speaking at the Integrity Financial Literacy @ Student Anti-Corruption Programme 2026 at Dewan Sultan Mizan, UMT, here. 

He said MACCAMPUS would serve as a digital hub for students involved in anti-corruption initiatives, particularly members of the Student Anti-Corruption Force (AMAR), while facilitating collaboration among participants from more than 120 higher learning institutions. 

In addition, the application also features comprehensive learning modules with academic collaboration platforms and student networking functions, while could be expanded to support competitions, mini projects, academic forums, as well as the sharing of ideas and research among students nationwide.

Being the first anti-corruption and integrity education application of its kind to be developed by MACC, MACCAMPUS has the potential to become a technology and intellectual-based platform that integrates education, simulation, gamification, artificial intelligence and academic collaboration.

Through the application, students are expected to become more knowledgeable, confident in making ethical decisions and capable of serving as agents of change who drive a culture of integrity on campuses and in society.

Abd Halim said all university students should make full use of this application to share ideas, reflect and engage in scholarly discourse through its modules, forums and academic discussions. 

"This is your space to debate constructively, challenge the status quo with sound arguments and distinguish between facts and propaganda that may distort thinking," he said.

Also present at the programme were UMT Pro-Chancellor and Employees Provident Fund Board Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — An investigating officer told the Sessions Court today that he was unaware that former Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB) director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli had links to another construction company that participated in the open tender for the Penang undersea tunnel and three main roads project.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Headquarters Investigation Division Senior Superintendent Zulhilmi Ramli said that besides Consortium Zenith Beijing Urban Construction Group (CZBUCG), VST Cemerlang Sdn Bhd had also submitted a bid for the mega project through the open tender process.

However, he said he was unsure whether Zarul Ahmad had planted VST Cemerlang as a bidder, and only knew that the businessman had links with CZBUCG.

The 38th prosecution witness said this during cross-examination by defence counsel Haijan Omar in the corruption trial of former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng involving the RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel and main roads project.

When asked by the lawyer whether his investigation showed that Zarul Ahmad had secretly placed VST Cemerlang in the bidding process, Zulhilmi replied that he was not sure.

Further questioned on whether he knew if Zarul Ahmad had any influence or interest in VST Cemerlang that enabled the company to participate in the tender, Zulhilmi answered: “I do not know.”

Haijan then suggested that the witness had never investigated the matter and was unaware of the reasons, basis and interests behind VST Cemerlang’s participation in the tender.

However, Zulhilmi disagreed and said his investigation was conducted based on the complaint lodged.

When the lawyer suggested that the matter had been overlooked during the investigation, Zulhilmi again maintained that he disagreed.

Earlier, in his witness statement, Zulhilmi said CZBUCG was the best company among the five bidders evaluated for the project.

According to him, CZBUCG scored 93 per cent compared with the nearest bidder, VST Cemerlang, which scored 77 per cent, resulting in CZBUCG being awarded the tender for the project.

Lim, 65, is charged with using his position as Penang chief minister to obtain gratification of RM3.3 million for himself by helping a company owned by Zarul Ahmad secure the RM6,341,383,702 Penang roads and undersea tunnel project at the Penang Chief Minister’s Office between January 2011 and August 2017.

For the second charge, the Bagan MP is accused of soliciting a bribe amounting to 10 per cent of the profits to be earned by Zarul Ahmad as an inducement for helping the businessman’s company secure the same project. The offence was allegedly committed near The Gardens Hotel, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, here, between 12.30am and 2am in March 2011.

He also faces two charges of causing two plots of Penang government land worth RM208.8 million to be disposed of to a developer company linked to the undersea tunnel project. The offences were allegedly committed at the Penang State Land and Mines Office, Komtar, on Feb 17, 2015, and March 22, 2017.

The trial before Judge Azura Alwi continues on July 23. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, has required all agency personnel to submit or update their asset declarations within one month of receiving an official notification, which will be issued at a later date.

He said the directive was among the first measures introduced under his leadership to strengthen the agency’s integrity and rebuild public confidence in the MACC as an independent, professional and impartial institution.

“To spearhead efforts to build and maintain public trust, I am directing all MACC officers to submit their asset declarations within a month from the date the official notification is issued.

“In line with that commitment, I will personally be the first to undertake the asset declaration process, InsyaAllah,” he said during his first address at the MACC monthly gathering here today.

He also emphasised that the MACC would not yield to pressure from any source, whether public sentiment, media scrutiny or political influence.

“Justice and the rule of law, applied without exception or compromise, are principles we will uphold. Integrity must go beyond rhetoric and pledges; it must be demonstrated through confidential decision-making and fearless investigations,” he said.

He also cautioned MACC personnel against damaging the organisation’s reputation through any wrongdoing, saying that even a small act of misconduct can taint the integrity of the entire institution.

He also emphasised that MACC staff should embody two core values, namely strength and trustworthiness, as highlighted in Surah Al-Qasas (the 28th chapter of the Quran).

He said strength relates to capability and expertise in carrying out tasks, while trustworthiness embodies honesty, which is central to the public service ethos, adding that the combination of the two qualities will ensure that the MACC continues to be respected as a key pillar in safeguarding the nation’s integrity.

Abd Halim also urged MACC personnel to shun arrogance and ego in the course of their duties, stressing that their conduct is always under public scrutiny.

He further emphasised that justice cannot be compromised, and that genuine integrity is measured by the ability to resist interference or undue influence from vested interests. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The MADANI Government will continue to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that efforts to strengthen governance, integrity, and the country’s institutional reform agenda form the core of building a fairer, more transparent, and competitive Malaysia.

This was stated by him during a courtesy call from MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman in Putrajaya yesterday.

“I stressed that integrity is not merely a requirement in the public service, but a crucial foundation to guarantee public confidence, attract quality investments, and determine a more sustainable future for the nation.

“The MADANI Government will continue to empower the MACC as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise to ensure that the country’s prosperity can be enjoyed by both present and future generations,” he said via a Facebook post. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Two investigation papers involving former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki have been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar, in a statement today, said that investigations into the cases had been completed and the investigation papers were submitted to the AGC on Thursday (June 4).

On Wednesday, Kumar said the police had recorded Azam’s statement under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code to assist in the investigations.

He said the first case involved an investigation into a Bloomberg.com article that allegedly contained defamatory statements regarding the shareholding ownership of Velocity Capital Partner Berhad.

The second case concerned allegations of abuse of power and criminal intimidation involving a businessman, Albert Tei. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded 1,095 charges and secured 563 convictions from 2,633 investigation papers opened since 2024, said Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman.

He said 583 of the investigation papers involved high-profile and public interest cases, reflecting the commission’s commitment to taking action regardless of rank or position.

Abd Halim said the MACC’s focus goes beyond prosecuting offenders, with equal emphasis placed on dismantling corruption networks through aggressive asset recovery measures.

“Based on records from the Legal and Prosecution Division up to April 2026, a total of 115 asset forfeiture applications were filed in court, compared with 179 applications for the whole of last year.

“During the period, the MACC seized assets worth RM16.49 million, froze assets amounting to RM425,464.60 and secured forfeitures totalling RM3.42 million. Compounds amounting to RM10.47 million were also collected,” he said in his inaugural address at the MACC Monthly Assembly here today.

Abd Halim stressed that he would not allow the people’s rights to be eroded by those driven by greed.

He said the MACC is also strengthening the capabilities of its officers to tackle increasingly complex financial crimes involving advanced technology, cross-border transactions and cryptocurrencies.

“We can no longer work using old methods. The use of advanced technology, stronger strategic intelligence, data analytics and cooperation with international agencies is essential to ensure we remain one step ahead of criminals,” he said.

Nearly a month into his tenure, Abd Halim introduced five key leadership principles: uncompromising integrity, fair enforcement, prevention over punishment, technology and transparency, and building public trust.

“My personal principle is simple: ‘If you dare to do it, dare to take responsibility for it.’ No one in this organisation should become a liability that tarnishes the image of the MACC, which is currently at its strongest,” he said. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The Sessions Court issued a third-party notice today to anyone wishing to challenge the forfeiture of jewellery seized from Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, wife of former Malaysian Army chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.

Judge Azura Alwi set July 31 for the hearing of any claims from individuals with an interest in the jewellery. If no third party comes forward, the assets will be forfeited to the government.

The third-party notice was issued under Section 41(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 after the court allowed an application by deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat.

Lawyer Muhammad Kausar Mohd Khairi, representing Salwani, 27, confirmed that his client had no objection to the application.

According to the notice filed on May 4, the prosecution is seeking forfeiture to the government of a 29.17-gramme necklace, a 9.53-gramme bracelet, a pair of earrings weighing 6.61 grammes, and a Swarovski ring.

The movable assets were seized under Subsection 41(1) of the MACC Act 2009 and are currently in the custody of the MACC.

On January 22, Salwani was charged with four counts of receiving money from illegal activities, amounting to RM50,000, RM7,000, RM10,000 and RM10,000.

The money was allegedly deposited into a company bank account at a bank in Damansara Heights, Wisma UOA II here, between November 24, 2024, and November 25, 2025.

The charges were filed under Subsection 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of not less than 5 times the value of the illicit proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Salwani was also charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court on January 26 with receiving RM5,000, also proceeds from illegal activities, allegedly deposited into her account at a bank in Jertih, near Besut, on January 16, 2025.

That case has since been transferred to the Sessions Court here to be tried jointly. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has decided to classify the investigation paper involving businessman Tei Jiann Cheing, better known as Albert Tei, and his complaint against Tan Sri Azam Baki as No Further Action (NFA).

In a media statement today, the AGC said it had reviewed the investigation paper submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police over Tei’s complaint against Azam for an alleged offence under Section 506 of the Penal Code.

“The comprehensive review of the investigation paper found that the elements of a criminal offence under Section 506 of the Penal Code could not be proven,” it said.

“Accordingly, the investigation paper has been decided to be classified as NFA,” it added.

Section 506 of the Penal Code covers criminal intimidation.

On June 6, Bukit Aman said two investigation papers involving Azam, the former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, had been referred to the AGC after police completed their investigations.

Azam, the former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, had previously denied Tei’s allegation.

He has since filed a defamation suit against Tei.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman to carry out his duties with the highest level of integrity.

According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page, His Majesty stressed that efforts to combat corruption must be pursued continuously, firmly and without fear or favour to safeguard integrity and uphold the rule of law.

The advice was given when Abdul Halim was granted an audience with the King at Istana Negara today.

On April 25, the King consented to Abdul Halim's appointment as the new MACC chief commissioner, effective May 13. The former High Court judge succeeded Tan Sri Azam Baki in the role. — Bernama