KUALA LUMPUR: The government has not ruled out establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of a corporate mafia in Malaysia, if there are sufficient grounds and concrete evidence to warrant a more comprehensive investigation.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said the proposal would need to be assessed on the justification for extending investigations and the specific scope of matters requiring further scrutiny.
"The government does not rule out the need for an RCI if there are clear grounds and justification for a more comprehensive investigation, supported by concrete facts," he said in a written parliamentary reply dated Monday (Nov 2).
Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) wanted to know the progress of investigations into the alleged corporate mafia, whether those believed to be its masterminds would be brought to court, and the government's willingness to establish an RCI.
Saifuddin Nasution said the allegations involved claims that enforcement agencies had abused their powers to pressure businessmen into selling company shares at artificially low prices, allegedly to facilitate corporate takeovers.
"Following intelligence and information relating to suspected money laundering activities, Bukit Aman's Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Team launched Ops Viking.
"An investigation paper was opened on Oct 14, 2025, under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001," he said.
He added that police subsequently arrested several individuals and froze or seized assets believed to be linked to the activities under investigation.
"As of Sept 25 last year, a total of 70 individuals had been called in to have their statements recorded," he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said the investigation also resulted in the freezing and seizure of eight properties, 11 vehicles, 417 Central Depository System (CDS) accounts and 70 share trading accounts involving RM323.59mil.
A further 404 bank accounts involving RM85.62mil were also subjected to freezing and seizure measures, he added.
However, the minister did not specify whether any individuals identified as the alleged masterminds would face prosecution.
Saifuddin Nasution reiterated that the government remained committed to ensuring that all allegations supported by credible grounds would be examined transparently.
He said appropriate legal action would be taken regardless of the position or background of those involved, without fear or favour.
