Minister: Putrajaya targets 2027 for anti-rent seeking law

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The government is working to table a Bill that would criminalise rent-seeking by 2027, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir told the House of Representatives this morning.

Akmal, who is also Johor Bahru MP, said among the approaches being considered is either a completely new law specifically related to anti-rent seeking, or amendments to existing legal provisions.

The outcome would depend on the study and the coordination process among stakeholders, the minister noted.

“This study also takes into account the views of industry players, enforcement agencies, relevant ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that the drafted approach is comprehensive and aligned with current needs,” Akmal said during Question Time.

“In this regard, the legislative drafting process requires in-depth examination to ensure every proposal developed is practical, effective, and implementable,” he added.

“Based on current plans, the Ministry of Economy intends for the drafting of this new law or amendments to legislation related to anti-rent seeking to be tabled in Parliament in 2027.”

The Anwar administration first publicly announced its intention to formulate anti-rent-seeking, or “Anti-Ali Baba”, policy and legislation on July 10, 2023. The announcement came directly from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself following a meeting of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN).

Akmal’s predecessor Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli subsequently spearheaded the framework under the Ministry of Economy throughout late 2023 and 2024.

Rent-seeking is the practice in which local business owners, permit holders, or license holders sublet or rent out their government-issued permits, licenses, contracts, or business premises to third parties without actively managing the business.

The government said the culture has persisted for decades, which analysts said was rampant under Barisan Nasional rule. Anwar upon taking office in 2022 said he would try to eradicate the practice as part of a broader fight against corruption.

Asked what sort of penalties would be prescribed by the Bill, Akmal said his ministry is looking at a comprehensive draft that would act as effective deterrence.

“When we elevate and intend to continue with this plan, it is more in the form of deterrence or aimed at preventing this practice from continuing to thrive in the country,” he said.

“Hence regarding the specific form of punishment, whether in the form of fines or imprisonment, and so on, that will only be known once we complete this framework after gathering all viewpoints, including from a legal perspective.”