09/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 9, 2025

2

Probe into alleged citizenship application scandal

Prominent figure under investigation KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated an investigation into a prominent corporate figure bearing the title “Tan Sri” for suspected involvement in money laundering linked to the ownership of shares worth over RM500 million in an oil and gas company. According to a source, the probe also focuses on elements of corruption involving several investments following the merger of two of the company’s subsidiaries. “Raids have been conducted at several locations, including the company’s premises and the individual’s residence in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. “The Tan Sri was summoned to the MACC headquarters for questioning on May 5 and 6 to assist in investigations. No arrests have been made as of now,” the source said in a statement yesterday. The investigation is also looking into possible offences involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds and falsification under the Penal Code. – Bernama Anwar calls for bold education reforms KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for bold and comprehensive reforms in developing Malaysia’s new education strategy ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Anwar, in a post on his Facebook page, said existing policies must be reviewed and refreshed to ensure every ringgit invested through 13MP yields a more equitable, forward-looking and sustainable education system to secure a more prosperous and harmonious future for the country. Earlier, Anwar received a courtesy call from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and the ministry’s top management to discuss new strategies and direction for education. “Among the issues discussed were preschool education, teacher training and skills enhancement at teacher education institutes, the implementation of continuous professional development as a means to empower educators, and strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects to boost future competitiveness,” he said. “Also discussed were Form Six and matriculation studies, student dropout issues, teaching permits in both the public and private sectors and the need to reorganise the National Education Master Plan to better align with current needs. “The world is changing rapidly and we cannot afford to be complacent, trapped in past nostalgia or shackled by outdated plans that may no longer be relevant,” he added. – Bernama since CRM’s inception in 2012. “Clinical research is ultimately about people. It offers patients early access to life-saving treatments, often when no other options remain.” Dzulkefly added that Malaysia’s research teams are gaining global recognition for their professionalism, ethical standards and capability to manage complex studies, including early-phase and first-in-human trials. He also paid tribute to clinical trial coordinators, calling them the “unsung heroes” of the research ecosystem. The conference also saw the signing of three MoUs between CRM and global partners Gilead Sciences, Kyushu University Hospital (Japan) and BP Healthcare, aimed at deepening international collaboration and investment in research. The event drew over 1,000 participants from 140 organisations across Asia.

children without identification documents or Malaysian citizenship. Saifuddin Nasution said the syndicate is believed to have been operating for more than three years and had obtained over 80 birth certificates through this method. The syndicate is also suspected of having global connections, and being involved in trafficking children from abroad. In another development, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has denied allegations of his involvement in a corruption scandal related to the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah project. Bernama reported that in a statement on his Facebook page, he had described the claims, which were widely circulated on a Telegram channel, as slanderous, baseless and malicious in intent against him as a member of the government administration. “The message contains direct accusations against me as the Works minister, with defamatory, unfounded and malicious claims. I categorically deny all such allegations.” He added that the baseless accusations not only affected his reputation but also tarnished the image of the Works Ministry. A police report was lodged at the Tun H.S. Lee police station on Wednesday by his senior private secretary to deny the allegations and request an immediate investigation.

o Suspects, including two Home Ministry officers, summoned to have statements recorded at MACC HQ

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

law firms, which led to the arrest of 16 individuals aged between 20 and 70. MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the operation was masterminded by a medical practitioner with the title “Datuk Seri”, who owned several clinics and maternity centres. He said the doctor is allegedly responsible for issuing fraudulent birth confirmation documents. Under Ops Outlander, MACC froze 11 bank accounts with a total of RM100,000 and seized 30 documents related to the investigation. Bribes were allegedly paid to expedite late birth registrations, with some officials receiving up to RM15,000 per certificate. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously revealed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved individuals posing as birth informants and submitting fake birth documents as official verification from registered private healthcare facilities. He said the birth certificates are believed to have been sold to parents or guardians of

PETALING Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed the arrest of two Home Ministry officers and a civilian to assist in a probe into the alleged “fast-tracking” of citizenship applications. “The ministry is fully cooperating with MACC’s investigation. The three detainees are currently giving their statements at the MACC headquarters,” it said in a statement. At press time, all three individuals, who were detained between 1pm and 5pm on Wednesday, were having their statements recorded at the MACC headquarters. MACC said the arrests were linked to Ops Outlander, that resulted in the arrest of a civil servant believed to have been the mastermind of a syndicate allegedly registering non-citizen births as Malaysian citizens using fake supporting documents. On March 11, MACC conducted raids across the Klang Valley and Johor targeting clinics and JAYA: The

Anwar accompanied by Dzulkefly (left), CRM CEO Dr Akhmal

Yusof (right) and Sarawak Deputy

Premier Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian at the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN

Innovative, cost-effective clinical research needed: PM

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

science. It’s a catalyst for job creation, technological progress and inclusive growth.” Anwar said the benefits of research must reach all Malaysians, not just those in urban or well-funded areas. “The challenge is to ensure the vast majority benefit, not just top-tier facilities for the few.” He said Malaysia’s current role as Asean chair reflects its commitment to positioning Southeast Asia as a globally competitive and interconnected hub for clinical research. “But this progress must be matched by courage, tenacity and innovation, especially in these post-normal times,” he said, referring to global disruptions affecting healthcare and technology. CRM chairman and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia’s international standing in clinical research continues to grow, with over 2,500 sponsored trials conducted across 260 sites nationwide

work in isolation. CRM’s effectiveness must come through collaboration with all national research bodies and universities. “One of our key challenges is to stop healthcare costs from spiralling. The sector risks becoming a burden when big corporations put profit before patient access.” Anwar said every medical faculty must contribute to a coordinated national effort to deliver more impactful and inclusive research outcomes. He highlighted Malaysia’s growing stature as a regional research leader, noting that its clinical trial ecosystem now goes well beyond laboratories – having contributed over RM1.5 billion to the economy and created more than 3,000 high-skilled jobs since 2012. “Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem now spans hospitals, logistics networks, data centres and centralised labs. “Clinical research is no longer just about

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) to lead bold regional and local partnerships that deliver innovative, cost-effective clinical research tailored to Southeast Asia’s unique healthcare demands. Speaking at the CRM Trial Connect 2025 conference in Bangsar yesterday, he cautioned against over-reliance on global pharmaceutical giants, warning that it could lead to soaring healthcare costs and place a heavy burden on both the government and patients. “Our challenge is to ensure medical costs don’t skyrocket. CRM has a major role to play and must build synergy with all research institutions. “At the National Science Council meeting, I gave clear instructions – no institution should