Malaysian PM Anwar's Senior Aide Resigns Amid Graft Letter Controversy
KUALA LUMPUR – A senior political aide to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, has tendered his resignation following a contentious letter supporting contractors for a hospital project. This development has significantly amplified calls for the Prime Minister to intensify his commitment to combating corruption within the government.
Resignation to "Defend" Government Image
Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who served as PM Anwar's senior political secretary, officially announced his resignation via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on November 25. He explicitly stated that his decision was made to "defend" himself against various accusations that, if left unaddressed, could potentially tarnish the administration's reputation and integrity.
Controversial Letter and Public Outcry
The core of the controversy centers around a letter allegedly issued by Datuk Seri Shamsul. This letter reportedly endorsed contractors who were bidding for a significant hospital development project located in Malaysia's southern state of Johor. This action quickly drew sharp criticism from various quarters, prompting widespread concern. Notably, former economy minister Rafizi Ramli publicly urged Mr. Anwar to take decisive measures and suggested a potential investigation by the country’s anti-graft agency to ensure accountability.
PM Anwar's Response
In response to the growing public furore and scrutiny, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the incident. He confirmed that he had reprimanded the involved aide for the issuance of the letter. While expressing his disagreement with the letter's contents and its implication, PM Anwar characterized it as "vague" and clarified that it did not constitute an official instruction from his office. Nevertheless, this incident has put a renewed and intense focus on the government's declared stance against corruption and the crucial need for stringent accountability among all public officials.