Malaysian PM Anwar’s new budget tackles graft, but critics ask: is it too late?
Por Ushar Daniele — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Malaysia This Week in Asia Politics Malaysian PM Anwar’s new budget tackles graft, but critics ask: is it too late?
Facing coalition pressure, Anwar has targeted anti-corruption in his 2027 budget, but analysts warn laws alone won’t restore trust
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Ushar Daniele in Kuala Lumpur Published: 4:30pm, 12 Oct 2026 With his reformist credentials battered by coalition compromises and a looming general election, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has used his 2027 budget to launch a fresh wave of anti-corruption measures.
But as his government nears its four-year mark, analysts warn that restoring public confidence will require more than additional funding and tighter legislative oversight.
The measures, announced when Anwar presented Malaysia ’s 2027 budget on Friday, include 1.1 billion ringgit (US$269 million) to strengthen enforcement agencies, a proposed bill to tighten oversight of government-owned entities and greater transparency in public procurement.
Yet concerns persist over the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while promised reforms – including separating the roles of the attorney general and public prosecutor – remain incomplete.
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