Malaysia PM’s aide steps down after scrutiny of 2024 hospital project support letter

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A political secretary to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stepped down amid a widening controversy involving a 2024 support letter linked to a hospital project.

According to statements shared publicly, the letter allegedly suggested six contractors for consideration in a project in Muar, prompting national debate over political influence in procurement.

Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar bin Mohd Akin submitted his resignation on 25 November 2025, stating that recent allegations had risked damaging the image of the current administration.

In a statement posted on X, he wrote that attempts had been made to “undermine” him and that his resignation would allow him to defend himself against the claims.

He added his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the trust placed in him during his service.

The issue escalated after former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli urged that the matter be investigated, including a possible review by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

According to Rafizi, the support letter dated 6 May 2024 had been circulated online and was addressed to an aide of the Health Minister, requesting consideration of six contractors.

The Prime Minister, however, clarified that the letter was “ambiguous” and did not constitute an official directive.

He stated that the project’s approval process had followed standard procedures and that the letter did not influence the outcome.

During a briefing, Anwar noted that similar letters had been issued by political secretaries under previous administrations and stressed the importance of consistent standards.

He added that reprimands should be issued when appropriate, regardless of political alignment, and confirmed that he had reprimanded Shamsul earlier.

In Parliament, Anwar explained that government rules do not permit such influence and that contracts undergo independent review processes without automatic support.

The matter gained further attention when Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, an MP from Pasir Mas, claimed that only two of the six contractors named in the letter were qualified.

Separately, Malaysiakini reported that businessman Albert Tei had linked Shamsul to a different controversy involving allegations related to a mining scandal.

According to the report, Albert claimed he had provided RM629,000 approx. US$152,171) to Shamsul, alleging he had been convinced the funds would be recoverable through political channels.

These claims were accompanied by documents, screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, and receipts, according to Albert’s statements.

Albert had previously released videos, documents, and screenshots purportedly connecting several political figures in Sabah to allegations of receiving bribes in exchange for mineral exploration licences.

He and two state assembly members were subsequently charged in court, according to the same reports.

Shamsul has not publicly responded in detail to the mining-related claims, and the allegations remain under scrutiny.

His resignation has intensified debate on the role and ethical boundaries of political secretaries in Malaysia, particularly in the context of government procurement and influence.

Observers note that the case may prompt further discussion on reforming political appointments and enhancing transparency within ministerial offices.