26/04/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday APR 26, 2026

PETALING JAYA: Former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman (pic) has been appointed as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, effective May 13. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said his name was pre sented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to His Majesty S u l t a n Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and has received royal consent. The appointment is in accordance with Subsection 5(1) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694) which stipulates that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the chief commissioner on the advice of the prime minister. “The government is confident that Abdul Halim, with his extensive experience and strong integrity, will further strengthen governance, boost public confidence and intensify anti-corruption efforts in the country,” he said in a statement. On Friday, Anwar said a list of candidates qualified to lead the agency was presented to the King. The King had previously stressed that the selection process should remain free from political interference. He stated that there is no requirement for any group or individual to politicise the transition. Sultan Ibrahim highlighted that the leadership of the MACC is vital to the organisation’s mission to ensure that it remains the country’s pre eminent body for tackling corruption, financial embezzlement and the misuse of authority. Abdul Halim has close to two decades of experience on the bench and a long career in the Judicial and Legal Service. Born on March 10, 1957 in Kampung Alai, Malacca, he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Universiti Malaya in 1982 before pursuing a Master of Laws at the University of Hull, United Kingdom. According to the Malaysia Judiciary Yearbook 2023, he began his career in the Judicial and Legal Service in 1982 and served in various capacities for over 22 years. His early roles were as federal counsel at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, magistrate in Kluang and Muar and as senior assistant registrar at the Malacca High Court. He was elevated as High Court judge in 2007. He also served as judge at the High Court in Penang, Johor Bahru and Shah Alam until his retirement in March 2023. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Former High Court judge named new MACC chief

Pay zakat through authorised channels, says Selangor Ruler SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has urged Muslims to understand the importance of paying zakat through authorised channels and ensuring its transparent distribution to eligible asnaf recipients. Each state has its own collection and distribution “The Sultan of Selangor calls on all Selangor residents to understand and reflect on the essence of today’s (April 24) Friday sermon delivered in mosques across the state titled Pay Zakat to Authorised Amil . The Sultan also reiterated that Muslims have a responsibility to protect the rights of asnaf from being misappropriated by irresponsible parties. “Do not remain silent or conceal wrongdoing as we may be considered complicit in injustice by denying the rights of asnaf .

investigate recent allegations of zakat fund misappropriation. Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said State Islamic Religious Councils are not involved in the issue. “The councils entrusted with managing zakat collection are not involved. Instead, a third party is believed to have misused the funds. “The public should remain confident that state religious agencies are following all procedures and guidelines. Any conclusion must be based on official investigations,” he said after launching the department’s 2026 Madani adopted village and Madani adopted school programmes on Friday.

“His Royal Highness wants all of us to take heed and realise that zakat is an act of worship involving wealth, and plays a significant role in assisting asnaf and strengthening the economic well-being of the Muslim community.” The Selangor Islamic Religious Council, with the consent of the Sultan, has appointed Lembaga Zakat Selangor to manage all matters related to zakat .

“Muslims must understand that not only zakat but also any form of public fund collection involving the interests of Muslims in Selangor must have the approval of relevant authorities.” Meanwhile, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department has urged the public to continue trusting the tithe institution and let authorities

system to ensure that the welfare of asnaf is properly managed, said Sultan Sharafuddin in a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, Bernama reported. He said external parties should not cross state boundaries to collect zakat without permission from the relevant state authorities.

Govt mulls cut in road tax rates for diesel vehicles

BATU The government is considering reducing road tax rates for diesel vehicles in the near term to ease the burden on the public following the rise in diesel prices. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he has asked the Transport Ministry to identify a suitable mechanism to implement the reduction, taking into account the impact of higher diesel prices on users, particularly in sectors that still rely on diesel vehicles. “Reducing fuel prices is not feasible at this time but road tax can be (reduced), and there are about 1.8 million diesel vehicles in Malaysia. “Although the number is relatively small compared with the total, these 1.8 million vehicle owners are affected as diesel prices have increased,” he said at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the RTD Madani Mega Carnival at the Penang stadium grounds yesterday. Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abdul Bakar and taking into account impact of higher fuel prices, says PM KAWAN: Transport Ministry to identify mechanism to implement move,

Anwar inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by the Road Transport Department at the event in Penang yesterday. – BERNAMA PIC

militarily or in ways that would affect our good relations but as a free and sovereign nation, we must speak out when there are serious injustices, such as when a country like Israel decides to bomb schools.” He said strong diplomatic ties also help Malaysia navigate international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, including ensuring the smooth passage of the country’s oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

that Malaysia would continue to maintain good relations with all countries to safeguard its economic interests in the face of global challenges, Bernama reported. He said Malaysia’s independent and sovereign foreign policy enables the country to cooperate with major powers, including the United States, China and Middle Eastern nations, despite ongoing conflicts in certain regions. “We do not get involved

RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the government would maintain its targeted subsidy policy for RON95 petrol through the Budi Madani (Budi95) programme, with fuel subsidies currently amounting to about RM7 billion a month. He said the government’s priority is to ensure sufficient supply amid global uncertainties. Meanwhile, Anwar stressed