Malaysian police have launched an investigation into claims that members of a prominent family engaged a UK-based media consulting firm to orchestrate a smear campaign against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), potentially undermining national stability.
The probe was confirmed on Friday by inspector-general of police, Mohd Khalid Ismail, following a police report lodged on Thursday at Brickfields police station in Kuala Lumpur. The report has circulated widely on social media.
According to reports, the complainant—described as an editor previously involved in a proposed communications team—claimed that family members met representatives of the UK firm via Zoom in July last year. Discussions reportedly involved using at least five international media outlets to exert pressure on Anwar and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, and lobbying efforts to drop charges against Na’imah Abdul Khalid, widow of the late Former Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin.
The complainant said they declined further involvement and filed the report after reading a Bloomberg article on Azam, suspecting it was part of the alleged campaign.
Mohd Khalid stated that the investigation is being handled by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit of the federal police’s Criminal Investigation Department’s Prosecution and Law Division. It proceeds under Section 124B of the Penal Code, addressing activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, which carries a maximum 20-year imprisonment upon conviction. Mohd Khalid urged the public to avoid speculation while the inquiry continues.
Na’imah strongly denied any involvement, calling the allegations “false and preposterous” and “laughable.” In a statement reported by Free Malaysia Today, Na’imah said she read the police report with “great surprise.”
Na’imah explained that the complainant approached her in July 2025 to offer services for a proposed communications team. The editor was later terminated due to poor performance and made further monetary demands. Na’imah described this as the conduct of a disgruntled man.
Na’imah rejected suggestions that seeking PR advice amounted to a plot against the government. Na’imah questioned the timing of the report, seven months after the alleged meeting amid scrutiny of the MACC, calling it a “desperate attempt” to distract from calls to remove Azam. Na’imah also compared the claim to past accusations faced by Anwar and reserved her legal rights over the allegations.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers stated it is treating the matter seriously and will provide legal guidance and prosecution support. It affirmed that all involved parties would face accountability under the law.
Separately, the MACC has requested assistance from four of Daim’s children—Asnida, Md Wira Dani, Muhammed Amir, and Muhammed Amin—to aid an ongoing investigation believed related to alleged failure to declare assets. Na’imah and Daim were charged in January 2024 with failing to declare assets. Daim was posthumously acquitted, while Na’imah’s case continues.
The allegations emerge amid heightened attention on the MACC. On 10th February, Bloomberg reported that Azam held shares potentially worth RM800,000 (US$203,900) in Velocity Capital Bhd, exceeding public servant guidelines. Azam stated he bought and sold the shares in the same year and has sued Bloomberg for RM100 million in damages.
On 11th February, Bloomberg cited documents and witnesses alleging MACC collusion with a “corporate mafia” in corporate disputes. The MACC rejected these claims and pledged cooperation with a Royal Malaysia Police investigation announced on 24th February.
The Democratic Action Party, part of the ruling coalition, has called for a royal commission of inquiry into the “corporate mafia” claims. Transport Minister Anthony Loke raised the issue in Cabinet. Prime Minister Anwar confirmed the discussion, stating a detailed statement would follow.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a special government committee examining Azam’s shareholding is expected to report to Cabinet next week. Minister Fadzil described the alleged plot as “a very serious matter” and referred questions about a police visit to Bloomberg’s Kuala Lumpur office to the IGP.
Sources indicate officers sought journalists Tom Redmond and Niki Koswanage, authors of the February reports, though no official confirmation was provided. About 70 protesters gathered outside MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Friday, calling for Azam’s arrest.
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