SNAPSHOT | Corporate mafia: Chin must 'come with clean hands', says Bersih

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

9pm

Corruption

• Bersih chairperson Faisal Abdul Aziz questioned the credibility of businessperson Victor Chin, arguing that a person cannot seek justice if they themselves might have committed wrongdoings.

  Referencing Chin’s statement today on how he had paid RM9.5 million to a PKR MP as a “service fee” made under duress from the “corporate mafia” gang members, Faisal said the admission brings to mind a legal phrase on preventing plaintiffs from benefitting from their own wrongdoing.

  “The legal maxim states: ‘He who seeks equity must come with clean hands’.

  “At the same time, his (Chin’s) own name was mentioned by Bloomberg in relation to allegations on the ‘corporate mafia’ - this clearly shows that his credibility in this issue can be questioned,” Faisal said in an X post.

  He added, however, that Bersih remains firm in supporting calls for Putrajaya to immediately reform the MACC, establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI), and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s resignation.

  “We no longer want this rot of corruption to continue running rampant, coupled with dramas for cheap publicity. The people are fed up. The government must not stall. Reform now!” Faisal added.

  

• PSM said that unless Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sends Azam on leave and establishes an independent investigative body, it would appear as if the premier’s own interests were at stake in the “corporate mafia” allegations.

  PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan also said no meaningful investigation or reform into the controversy could take place for as long as Azam remained in his post.

  He further questioned where Chin could turn to lodge a report, given that any such complaint would inevitably be referred back to the very institution implicated in the scandal.

  “People are now asking Chin to lodge a report. But where can he report? The police will simply refer any corruption case back to the MACC. Yet, the MACC itself has been implicated in the so-called corporate mafia scandal, as highlighted by Bloomberg and Malaysiakini.

  “So when Sivarasa (Rasiah) tells Chin to ‘stop this foolish theatrics’, is that not precisely what the MACC has become?” Arutchelvan asked in a statement today.

READ MORE: 'Albert Tei imitator' Chin told to ditch 'theatrics', name PKR MP who solicited RM10m

• MCA Youth has urged Anwar to respond within 24 hours to allegations regarding the “corporate mafia” scandal, stressing that the continued silence from the premier is “deeply concerning”.

  “A failure to respond decisively risks fuelling public perception that there may be attempts to shield those involved or conceal a wider network.

  “A government that upholds integrity and reform must demonstrate it through action, not silence,” MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said in a statement today.

  

  Backing calls for an RCI, she added that responses from figures implicated in the claims have thus far been “unconvincing” and failed to address core allegations, further eroding public confidence.

6pm

Court

• The government and four other parties have been ordered to pay RM6,000 in damages to a Year Two pupil who was injured after a ceiling fan fell on her in a classroom four years ago.

  Ruling on a lawsuit filed by the student’s father in January 2024, Perak’s Selama Magistrate’s Court found that the Larut Matang and Selama District Education Office, the Perak State Education Department, and the education director-general had failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the ceiling fan was safe and properly maintained.

  In a written judgment dated March 23, magistrate R Prabakaran held that the risk of a ceiling fan falling in a classroom was reasonably foreseeable and labelled the school’s reliance on informal “see and listen” checks by teachers to detect faults as insufficient.

  Although the defence claimed regular maintenance had been carried out, no maintenance records or reports from the Public Works Department was submitted in court to support those claims, Bernama reported.

  The court also accepted medical testimony confirming that the pupil - who has since fully recovered - suffered a fracture to the second metacarpal bone of her left hand, as well as soft tissue injuries to the chest due to the incident on Oct 18, 2022, which also caused minor injuries to three other students.

• The Court of Appeal will hear on April 6 an appeal by 1MDB and 10 other companies against an earlier decision barring their application to use an affidavit on Rosmah Mansor.

  Rosmah’s lawyer, Rajan Navaratnam, told Bernama that the hearing date was fixed earlier, while another case management today - held before deputy registrar Nor Rajiah Mat Zin - ensured that the relevant documents were in order.

  

  In November last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court refused to grant leave for the use of an affidavit by Shabnam Naraindas Daswani for an order to freeze Rosmah’s assets.

  Judge Wan Amin Wan Yahya also ordered 1MDB to pay RM10,000 in costs to the former prime minister’s wife.

Oil crisis

• Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman has warned that the government’s decision to adjust diesel prices risks triggering an “inflation time bomb” and broader cost pressures across the economy.

  He called on the government to urgently outline a “3M” mitigation framework - “menyerap” (absorb the shock), “melindungi” (protect the people), and “memperkasa” (strengthen the economy).

  This framework, he said, should encompass a more dynamic price stabilisation mechanism, including flexible subsidy management and strategic release of food stocks and energy reserves; targeted assistance, support incentives, and an active role for financial institutions to shield households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

  

  Syahir noted that he had previously flagged the West Asia conflict’s risks to the global economy through rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions and higher logistics costs, and that Malaysia is not immune to its spillover effects, which are already beginning to weigh on growth prospects, market price stability, households, and MSMEs.

  The PAS lawmaker also criticised the government for remaining unclear, nearly four weeks into the conflict, on how it intends to fully assess the economic impact, with no concrete mitigation measures announced to absorb the effects of the global energy crisis.

READ MORE: Amid rising fuel prices, PM says M'sia imports more crude oil than it exports

• Perikatan Nasional highlighted the difference in diesel prices between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia, cautioning that the large price gap could create a perception of unfairness.

  The situation, PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement today, could also lead to consumers and businesses in the peninsula feeling as if they are being “punished by the government” with heavier burdens.

  As such, Takiyuddin pressed Putrajaya to inform the public on the government’s measures to prepare for the fuel price hikes, including mitigation plans to reduce the impact on households, traders, and SMEs.

  

  He also said the “sudden” increase in fuel price has raised doubts on whether the government has a clear and comprehensive strategy to manage fuel subsidy policies.

  “PN suggests that the government consider implementing a temporary windfall tax on sectors and companies benefitting from the surge in global commodity prices, including those in the oil and gas sector,” the PAS MP said in a statement.

  Noting that the additional revenue generated from such a move could be channelled to steps aimed at easing the rakyat’s burden, Takiyuddin stressed that the government is duty-bound to prioritise the people’s welfare.

READ MORE: Anwar: Stop politicising oil price surge driven by global crisis

• PSM urged Putrajaya to push for the establishment of an Asean Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) due to surging oil prices amid the conflict in West Asia.

  Party central committee member Gandipan Nantha Gopalan said that domestic measures are insufficient, explaining that his recommendation of a regional SPR would protect Asean countries while reducing overall costs.

  However, he stressed that such a move is meant to be an emergency safeguard during the transition away from fossil fuels, which should remain the top priority instead of nurturing long-term dependence on the controversial fuel source.

  

  “In the long run, the region must move towards better public transport, renewable energy, and reduced petroleum consumption,” he said in a statement today.

  Besides that, Gandipan told the government to expand the ability to work from home for suitable industries, exhorting it as the “most immediate and effective measure” to lower fuel consumption.

• Umno Youth will soon be organising a national roundtable discussion over the rise in fuel costs.

  Party wing chief Dr Akmal Saleh said this will bring together economists, oil and gas experts, as well as industry players, to discuss how the government can help the public.

  

  In a statement today, he extended the invitation to politicians from all sides, stressing the issue’s national importance as a problem to be solved together rather than politicised.

  “This is not the time for leaders to fight; this is the time for us to make the best decision for Malaysians,” the Merlimau assemblyperson said.

READ MORE: Set up bipartisan committee to address skyrocketing oil prices, Samsuri urges govt

• The rubber glove industry has urged government intervention as the West Asia conflict affected both the availability and cost of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a petroleum-derived product and a raw material for making nitrile gloves needed for medical purposes.

  In a statement, the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma) said the government should engage with NBR suppliers to temporarily prioritise the supply of the material to local manufacturers over overseas markets.

  

  It also called for the government to engage with gas suppliers to suspend “take-or-pay” (TOP) arrangements between manufacturers and gas suppliers and provide more flexibility.

  Margma said the NBR shortage has forced factories to reduce production and could not meet their minimum gas consumption quotas, but still have to pay for the gas they didn’t use under the terms of the TOP agreement.

• The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) has appealed for urgent government support and collective action following heightened cost pressures due to the hike in diesel prices.

  Noting that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global supply chains while driving up material and energy costs, MBAM president Oliver HC Wee said the construction industry is facing rising input costs, uncertain delivery timelines, and tightening cash flow.

  Among the proposals put forth by Wee in a statement today are temporary tax reductions or deferments, targeted diesel subsidies, and financial aid such as soft loans and guarantee schemes to ease cash flow constraints.

  

  He also mooted the establishment of mandatory price fluctuation mechanisms for vital materials such as steel, cement, and fuel, as well as assurance that new fiscal policies would not be applied retrospectively to existing contracts.

  To stabilise supply chains, Wee urged the government to simplify the acquisition of alternative sources by easing import regulations and fast-tracking approvals, while also suggesting the creation of strategic stockpiles for essential construction materials.

• Ferry service to Langkawi has been reduced from five to three trips a day, effective yesterday, due to concerns that the ferry transport industry might go out of business amid the sudden spike in diesel prices.

  Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd general manager Baharin Baharom said ferry operators had “no choice” but to implement the reduction as the increase in diesel prices of more than 100 percent is putting immense pressure on operating costs.

  Baharin noted that while low fares have long been preserved to keep tourism affordable, the steep rise in operating expenses now poses a significant threat to the business’ sustainability.

  “This reduction in schedule is expected to impact the Langkawi tourism sector, but without the implementation of stabilisation measures such as schedule rationing, fare adjustments, or policy support, the Langkawi ferry industry is at risk of experiencing operational closure in the near future,” he added in a statement today.

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2pm

Football

• A French investigative journalist revealed that Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC had issued him a cease-and-desist letter after his online post commenting on the “heritage” player scandal.

  In an X post last night, Romain Molina affirmed that he will not be taking down his post, which supposedly irked JDT, asserting that such “intimidation” tactics will not lead to him backing down.

  

  He also shared a copy of the letter from JDT chief operating officer (COO) Alistair Edwards, who accused Molina of making “false, misleading, and defamatory" statements which linked the football club to the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) ongoing issues on falsified citizenship documentation for seven players.

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  READ MORE: ‘Heritage players’ grandparents not born in M’sia as claimed - Fifa

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  In the March 24 letter, Edwards also cautioned that if Molina fails to take down the post and issue a public clarification within 24 hours, JDT would pursue further legal action - “including claims for defamation and damages”.

  On March 23, Molina said the “system of false nationalities” used by the FAM had “benefited” JDT, which is owned by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

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  READ MORE: TMJ goading detractors: Lawyers say ‘unclear line’ between criticism and sedition

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MIC

• BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir revealed that MIC will remain in the coalition.

  Zambry said the decision was made at the MIC central working committee meeting yesterday.

  

  While praising MIC and commenting on the party’s history with Umno since the pre-independence era, he said the decision to stay has several justifications: stability and continuity, BN’s successful example of multiracial cooperation, the ability for renewal, as well as the rejection of divisive politics.

  “As long as this spirit of unity is upheld honestly and sincerely, any attempt to weaken or divide this coalition will be dealt with wisdom and inner strength,” the Umno supreme council members said in a statement today.

Weather

• Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) chairperson Ismail Salleh has expressed concern about water levels at several dams in northern Kedah amid a prolonged drought, and its implications for the upcoming planting season.

  He said water levels at the Muda Dam in Sik, which collects water before channelling it to Pedu Dam for irrigation across the Muda agricultural area, have dropped to just 8.04 percent. The combined levels at Muda, Pedu, and Ahning Dams stand at about 39 percent.

  

  “At this level, any water release should be prioritised for domestic use at water treatment plants. This is serious as it directly affects supply, particularly for paddy irrigation,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

  He said Mada will meet soon to decide on the planting season, and farmers may need to resort to the dry direct seeding technique if it doesn’t rain by the time the season starts in three weeks.

9am

Petrol price

• The government is planning to reduce the monthly entitlement for subsidised RON95 petrol, priced at RM1.99 per litre, under the Budi95 programme from 300 litres to 200 litres, as fuel prices continue to climb amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

  Citing unnamed sources, The Edge reported that the announcement is expected as early as this week, and the measure is likely to take effect from April. Once the 200-litre threshold is exceeded, consumers will pay the market price for fuel.

  

  The Finance Ministry yesterday announced that the retail prices for RON97 and unsubsidised RON95 petrol will increase by 60 sen per litre starting today, while diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will jump by another 80 sen to RM5.52 per litre.

  This marks the third successive week of sharp price increases for RON97 and diesel in the peninsula since March 11, as the government continues to adjust domestic fuel prices in response to sustained pressure on global oil markets.

  The ministry also announced plans to introduce controls on diesel purchases, particularly in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, as part of efforts to curb subsidy leakage and smuggling. The government also raised Budi Individu and Budi Agri-Komoditi payments to RM300 in March 2026, up from RM200 previously.

READ MORE: Amid rising fuel prices, PM says M'sia imports more crude oil than it exports

Politics

• Selangor PAS Youth issued a pointed rebuttal to former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, after the latter declared “amateur hour” on both sides of the political divide amid mounting global and domestic pressures.

  Its deputy chief, Faizzuddin Zai, countered Khairy’s characterisation of an unnamed aeronautical engineer as “just too stupid and incompetent” by listing what he considers the individual's significant political achievements.

  

  This, he said, includes leading PAS to retain power in Terengganu for a second consecutive term and delivering a clean sweep of all 32 state seats in Terengganu in the 15th general election, among others.

  Faizzuddin further noted that the same individual - Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar - has been chosen to lead Perikatan Nasional as its new chairperson, representing fresh, younger leadership ahead of GE16, implicitly contrasting this with other political coalitions that continue to rely on veteran figures.

  Taking a swipe at Khairy’s defeat to PKR’s R Ramanan in GE15, Faizzuddin also reminded him that PN had won four states in the same election, whilst strengthening its position in Perak, Pahang, and Selangor.

READ MORE: 'Amateur hour' on both sides: Khairy slams 'useless' opposition, 'ostrich' govt

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