Shamsul Iskandar Resigns as Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister

Kuala Lumpur, El Sky News – Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin has officially stepped down from his role as the Senior Political Secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The resignation was confirmed today after he submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister and posted a public statement on social-media platform X (formerly Twitter/X).

His Statement: Why He Resigned

In his public message, Shamsul said he decided to resign after he learned of attempts to “attack” him, with allegations that could damage the image of the government.

“I have been informed of attempts to attack me with matters that could tarnish the image of the Madani government. Therefore, I have decided to defend myself from these attacks.”

He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the trust given to him during his tenure. According to public records, Shamsul had been in this post since 23 December 2022.

Background: What Sparked the Controversy

The resignation comes amid serious accusations linked to a hospital development project, related to a letter of support allegedly issued to contractors.

Media reports say that Shamsul was accused of issuing a support letter for contractors involved in the project an act which, according to the government’s own standards, violates procedures. The controversy prompted widespread public debate and calls for accountability.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged in Parliament on 18 November 2025 that a political secretary was reprimanded for issuing such a letter, though he did not explicitly name Shamsul. He reiterated that such support letters are not permitted under government rules.

Some allege that the issuance of the letter was connected to contractor bidding in the hospital project, prompting sharp criticism from opposition politicians and public watchers.

Political Fallout & Public Reaction

Shamsul’s resignation has ignited a wave of reactions across the political spectrum:

• Critics argue the matter reflects deeper issues of governance and possible collusion with contractors calling for a full investigation into the case.
• Some opposition groups demand more than just the resignation of the secretary; they urge accountability at higher levels, suggesting the Prime Minister should also face scrutiny.
• Observers warn this episode could shake public confidence in the integrity of the administration and damage the government’s “Madani” brand.
• At the same time, there are public calls for anti-corruption authorities to thoroughly investigate the affair.

Conclusion: Significance of the Resignation

Shamsul Iskandar’s resignation isn’t just a personnel change. It marks a potentially pivotal moment in Malaysia’s political landscape touching on issues of governance, transparency, and public accountability.

As investigations (formal or informal) unfold and political tensions simmer, the handling of this case could influence not only public trust in the government but also the strategies of opposition parties ahead of future elections.