Dennis Ignatius
~ Provoking discussion, dissent & debate on politics, diplomacy, human rights & civil society.
Madani: land of endless scandal
28FridayNov 2025
Posted in corruption, Malaysia, Politics
[1] Many Malaysians must no doubt be disappointed, dismayed, even angry, to learn of yet another government corruption scandal, this time involving the Prime Minister’s Political Secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin.[1]
[2] While the allegations against Shamsul remain unproven, the detailed expose contained in the 300-page dossier is shocking to say the least. Shamsul’s resignation, though welcome, will not be enough to satisfy the public that all is well in the highest reaches of the government.
[3] Our nation seems to lurch from one corruption scandal to another. The unfolding scandal in Sabah – a scandal in which federal politicians may also be implicated – has already cast a pall over the nation. It reminds us that the era of scandal and sleaze of the Najib era is far from over, that many of our politicians remain as corrupt and unprincipled as ever, that integrity is almost non-existent in government.
[4] The impression we are left with is that they are all out to enrich themselves with little concern for the citizens they pretend to serve. Ordinary Malaysians work hard to feed their families and educate their children. They pay their taxes. They vote in good faith. And this is what they get in return.
[5] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has arguably talked more about fighting corruption that all the previous PMs put together; but it’s all a sham, nothing more than political gimmickry. Scandals are papered over with sickening regularity and DNAAs offered to anyone who can help advance his political agenda.
[6] His commitment to fighting corruption is skin-deep. When Shamsul’s letter of support for the contractor first came to light, the Prime Minister refused to dismiss him;[2] then when he finally resigned, the Prime Minister claimed it was proof of the government’s integrity.[3] Whenever cronies and allies are involved, allegations are quickly dismissed as inconclusive, heresy or baseless. Even a leader implicated in an-ongoing scandal is touted as a “principled leader”. His administration goes to the ends of the earth in search of looted wealth but ignores the looting that goes on right under their noses.
[7] When backed into a corner, he quickly promises a thorough investigation[4] but we all know that Madani doesn’t do thorough and transparent investigations; it’s forte is cover-up, obfuscation and denial.
[8] The DAP – a party with a storied history of exposing corruption including the 1MDB scandal – now rushes to defend those facing serious allegations of corruption. Even before a thorough investigation can be carried out, DAP leaders have declared that Shamsul “didn’t take any money[5], that a damaging video was “doctored.” [6] Now they are all about holding on to power; truth be damned.
[9] And then they have the audacity to say that “We will not compromise on anti-corruption. Zero tolerance, zero coverage.”[7] What a load of horse manure! It looks like they are all cut from the same moral cloth after all.
[10] Many are now calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. Hell is more likely to freeze over before that happens. Too many powerful people have too much at stake to permit anything other than a sham investigation covered with buckets of whitewash. The days of accountability, responsibility, honour and integrity in government are a distant memory now. As I have said before, the battle against corruption is over and we have lost.
[Dennis Ignatius |Kuala Lumpur | 28th November 2025]
[1] ‘Cigars and suits’ – Albert implicates PM’s senior aide in mining scandal |Malaysiakini |26 Nov 2025
[2] No need to sack aide over support letter, says Anwar |FMT |22 Nov 2025
[3] Shamsul’s resignation proves govt upholds integrity, says Anwar |FMT | 27 Nov 2025
[4] No cover up in FAM scandal, investigation must proceed – PM Anwar |Bernama |21 Nov 2025
[5] Nga tells Sabahans Shamsul quit over support letter, ‘didn’t take money’ |Malaysiakini | 26 Nov 2025
[6] ‘Doctored video’ of woman accusing PM not evidence – Lip Eng |Malaysiakini |26 Nov 2025
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