MACC to issue asset declaration notices to Saravanan, family; DAP Youth joins 'corporate mafia' RCI protest

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

MACC Serves Asset Declaration Notices to Saravanan, Tabung Haji Chair; DAP Youth Joins Protest Against ‘Corporate Mafia’ Allegations

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has formally served asset declaration notices to former Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan, his wife, and three of their children, marking a significant escalation in its investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the former minister. The notices, delivered on Tuesday, require Saravanan and his family to submit their assets within a strict timeline, with one of his children—currently studying in London—scheduled to receive the notice in November.

The move shows the MACC’s widening probe into high-profile figures, including Tabung Haji’s chairperson Azeez Abdul Rahim, who was also served a similar notice on September 15. While the MACC has yet to receive Azeez’s asset declaration, the agency has given him a one-month deadline to comply.

Meanwhile, the commission has temporarily paused its questioning of former Felda chairman Isa Samad, who is recovering from eye surgery at Serdang Hospital, though it has emphasized that further inquiries into Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd remain a priority.

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The MACC’s actions come as political and civil society tensions rise over allegations of systemic corruption involving corporate entities and public officials. In a separate development, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Youth has announced its participation in a protest organized by the NGO Mandiri, set for Sunday at 3 p.m. outside the Sogo department store in Kuala Lumpur.

The rally aims to demand the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate claims of a "corporate mafia" colluding with MACC officers, as well as calls to prevent the "silencing" of political activists.

DAP Youth’s statement today framed the protest as a collective stand for justice and freedom of expression, urging Malaysians to join the demonstration. The protest follows growing public frustration over perceived delays and obstructions in corruption investigations, particularly those involving politically connected figures.

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MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman revealed the details of the asset declaration notices during a press conference on Tuesday. According to Halim, Saravanan, his wife, and two of their children will collect the notices at the MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday, while the third child—currently abroad—will receive the notice in November.

The MACC has not disclosed the specific grounds for the notices but has previously indicated that its investigations into Saravanan’s tenure as minister are ongoing.

Halim also confirmed that the MACC has yet to receive an asset declaration from Tabung Haji’s Azeez Abdul Rahim, despite the notice being served on September 15. The agency has given him until October 15 to comply. The MACC’s decision to serve notices on both Saravanan and Azeez reflects its broadened focus on potential financial misconduct among senior public figures.

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The MACC’s investigation into Felda remains a key priority, though it has temporarily halted questioning of former chairman Isa Samad due to his recent surgery. Halim stated that the MACC still requires critical information from Isa regarding Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd, particularly in relation to the RM3.09 million kickback scandal involving the purchase of a hotel in Sarawak. Isa is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for his role in the case.

The MACC’s actions have drawn mixed reactions, with some legal experts suggesting that the asset declaration notices could pressure high-profile individuals to cooperate with ongoing investigations. However, critics have warned that the timing of such moves—particularly ahead of political sensitivities—could further polarize public opinion.

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The upcoming protest on Sunday, organized by Mandiri, is expected to draw significant attention, particularly given the involvement of DAP Youth. The rally’s demands for an RCI reflect broader calls from civil society groups for greater transparency in corruption cases, especially those involving corporate entities and public officials. The protest’s location outside Sogo—a high-traffic area in Kuala Lumpur—is likely to maximize visibility and public engagement.

DAP Youth’s decision to join the protest signals its alignment with broader opposition movements seeking accountability in high-profile corruption cases. The party’s statement today emphasized the need for Malaysians to "take a stand" against perceived impunity, particularly in cases where political activists face harassment or obstruction.

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The MACC’s recent actions come at a time when Malaysia’s political landscape remains volatile, with corruption allegations frequently intertwined with broader governance debates. The agency’s decision to serve asset declaration notices to Saravanan and Azeez, as well as its continued focus on Felda-related investigations, suggests a determination to pursue high-profile cases regardless of political sensitivities.

However, the temporary pause in questioning Isa Samad highlights the challenges the MACC faces in balancing investigative urgency with procedural fairness. The agency’s ability to secure cooperation from key witnesses—particularly those with significant political or corporate influence—will be critical in determining the outcome of its probes.

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As the MACC continues its investigations, the upcoming protest on Sunday will serve as a barometer for public sentiment on corruption and governance. The involvement of DAP Youth and other civil society groups underscores the growing demand for institutional reforms, particularly in how corruption cases are handled at the highest levels of government.

The MACC’s next steps—including whether it will proceed with further questioning of Saravanan, Azeez, or other figures—will be closely watched by legal observers, political analysts, and the public. The agency’s ability to deliver tangible results in high-profile cases will be a key factor in shaping Malaysia’s anti-corruption landscape in the months ahead.