Is Malaysia’s justice system unfairly tilted in favor of the powerful? A bombshell report by Projek SAMA raises serious questions about whether 'big fish' and 'small fry' face the same consequences for corruption. And this is the part most people miss: the data suggests a troubling pattern that could erode public trust in the rule of law.
In a press conference held at BERSIH’s office in Petaling Jaya on December 9, 2025, Projek SAMA unveiled its latest investigation, provocatively titled Do politicians still get away with corruption after 2018? The non-governmental organization, dedicated to stability and accountability in Malaysia, delved into 28 corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering cases involving 21 current or former lawmakers. These cases, initiated or continued after the 2018 elections, were scrutinized to determine if Malaysia operates as a dua darjat (two-tiered) society, where ikan yu (sharks) and ikan bilis (anchovies) receive unequal treatment under the law.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Projek SAMA’s report doesn’t draw definitive conclusions, it lays bare facts that are hard to ignore. For instance, out of the 28 cases, 10 were dropped mid-proceedings, with only three having legitimate justifications. These included the acquittal of Tun Daim Zainuddin due to his death, Ahmad Maslan’s settlement via compound payment, and the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) for two of Datuk Mohammad Lan Allani’s charges to facilitate proper court proceedings. The remaining seven cases, involving high-profile figures like Lim Guan Eng, Tun Musa Aman, and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, raise eyebrows about the Attorney General’s prosecutorial discretion.
Projek SAMA’s convenor, Ngeow Chow Ying, emphasized that the report leaves it to Malaysians to draw their own conclusions. “We’re just presenting the facts,” she stated, adding that the organization cannot make definitive claims based on a limited sample size. However, she highlighted a disturbing trend: inconsistency in prosecutorial decisions, particularly in high-profile cases. “When you’re not transparent or consistent, public trust suffers,” Ngeow warned, pointing to instances where appeals were filed and then withdrawn following government changes.
Legal researcher Farah Izzah Haron underscored the need for reform, particularly in prosecutorial oversight and political financing transparency. The 36-page report, available on Projek SAMA’s website, was collaboratively written by Haron, edited by Ngeow, and supported by members Wo Chang Xi and Prof Wong Chin Huat.
Here’s the million-ringgit question: Does Malaysia’s justice system favor the politically connected? Projek SAMA’s report doesn’t provide a yes-or-no answer, but it invites Malaysians to critically examine the evidence. What do you think? Is the system fair, or is it time for a radical overhaul? Let’s debate this in the comments—your voice matters.
