Rafizi's damning warning, 'Datuk Seri' titleship invites Farhash's public scrutiny, may expedite MACC intervention
Then later yesterday (July 25), news broke out that the high-flying corporate figure would be conferred a 'Datuk Seri' title today (July 26) in conjunction with the 84th birthday of Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
For the record, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz heads the list of 1,530 recipients of state awards, honours, and medals, which also include Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Penang Malay Association president Tan Sri Dr Yussoff Latiff, and national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Instead of being a recognition, the award spotlight on Farhash, the ex-PKR Perak chief, will likely fuel more public scrutiny, not to mention distrust of Anwar's much-shouted anti-corruption drive.
Such is the message conveyed by Rafizi in a media statement, which called on Anwar to swiftly address the growing controversy surrounding Farhash, for failure to do so could undermine public trust in the government's reform agenda.
'The information revealed so far is sufficient for the MACC to open an investigation paper on Farhash, just as it has done for other figures accused of sudden wealth accumulation,' revealed the Pandan MP.
Evidence of his meteoric rise: Farhash currently holds directorships in four other public-listed companies, namely MMAG Holdings Bhd, Apex Equity Holdings Bhd, Excel Force MSC Bhd, and Key Alliance Group Bhd.
In April, Farhash became a substantial shareholder in Key Alliance with his purchase of 6.8 million shares in the open market. He owns a 5.546% interest now.
On May 30, convenience store chain operator 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd announced that Farhash, who was appointed chairman on Jan 3, 2023, has resigned from his post to pursue other business interests.
Farhash previously served as Anwar's political secretary and was also the Perak PKR chief.
Local media recently reported that Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, the state's mineral licensing agency, had awarded Bumi Suria — a company linked to Farhash — an exploration license for coal mining.
According to the report, the company was granted exclusive rights to explore and search for minerals across 70,000 hectares in the Kalabakan and Gunung Rara forest reserves near the Kalimantan border.
Farhash has denied the report and is demanding a public apology.
This is not the first time he has been linked to controversial business dealings. In March last year, he emerged as a substantial shareholder in HeiTech Padu Bhd shortly before the company secured a RM190 million contract from the Road Transport Department. — July 26, 2025
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