KUALA LUMPUR, December 22nd – A stunning claim has emerged alleging a brazen attempt to corrupt Malaysian legislation, with a former aide accusing tobacco companies of offering a staggering RM50 million (approximately $10.6 million USD) to then-Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa to abandon the proposed generational end game (GEG) policy for tobacco.
G. Sivamalar, who served as Dr. Zaliha’s aide throughout her tenure (December 2022 – December 2023), detailed the alleged incident in an op-ed published by Malaysia Gazette. According to Sivamalar, Dr. Zaliha unequivocally rejected the offer, refusing even to engage with the individuals making it. “She was once offered RM50 million to drop the generational end game policy. She rejected it without hesitation and asked them to leave. I was there. I witnessed it myself,” Sivamalar wrote.
The alleged bribe attempt occurred “at the initial stage, way before” the tobacco bill was tabled in Parliament, Sivamalar told CodeBlue. While details remain hazy – Sivamalar admitted difficulty recalling specifics after two years and numerous unsolicited contacts – she emphasized Dr. Zaliha’s unwavering principles. “We didn’t budge to any threat or offer. That’s the point I was trying to make. She was so principled.”
Despite Dr. Zaliha’s reported refusal, the GEG was ultimately decoupled from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which now only prohibits tobacco and vape sales to minors under 18, a significant dilution of the original, more ambitious plan.
No Formal Report Filed
Remarkably, neither Dr. Zaliha nor Sivamalar reported the alleged bribe offer to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the police. Sivamalar explained they felt constrained at the time, stating, “No one could stop us that time. We didn’t want to waste time. We were just focusing on what we were supposed to do.” This decision raises questions about adherence to Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which legally mandates reporting bribery offers.
Industry Interference Concerns
The revelation comes amidst growing concerns about the influence of the tobacco and vape industries on Malaysian policy. Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni previously acknowledged industry representatives meeting with MPs, while Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has defended such interactions as part of a “mature and civil democracy.” However, critics argue these meetings demonstrate undue influence, potentially prioritizing corporate interests over public health.
The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 recently ranked Malaysia’s interference score at 77, a significant increase from 66 in 2021, citing the exclusion of GEG provisions as a key factor.
“Citizens deserve to know that policy decisions are based on health and science — not industry influence,” stated Roslizawati Md Ali, president of local anti-tobacco group MyWatch, last September.
Shift in Focus to Total Vape Ban
The debate has now shifted towards a total prohibition of vape, with Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announcing plans for a ban by the end of 2026. However, the alleged attempted bribery of a Cabinet member casts a long shadow over the process, raising serious questions about the integrity of legislative decision-making in Malaysia.
Dr. Zaliha has yet to comment directly on the allegations, citing a personal loss. The MACC has not yet issued a statement regarding the matter.
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