Anti-rent-seeking law now targeted for 2027, and “Ali Baba” is not yet a crime, the economy minister says
Malaysiakini reported on Wednesday that the economy minister said the anti-rent-seeking law had been pushed to 2027 and that “Ali Baba” arrangements are not yet a crime. The Malay Mail said Putrajaya was targeting 2027 for the law, and FMT, in English and Malay, reported that an “anti-Ali Baba” bill would be tabled next year. The NST and the Malay Mail had listed Alibaba licences among the Dewan Rakyat’s focus that day. DailyDrop saw headlines only, so the reason for the delay and the bill’s content are unknown.
Rent-seeking can raise costs and block competition, and licences passed to someone else to run are a long-standing complaint. A law with a date gives businesses and officials something to plan around; a delay leaves the practice unpunished meanwhile.
If you hold or use a licence, permit or contract, find out whether you are the one actually running the business. Once a law is tabled, the terms will matter.
A date is not a bill. Watch whether a draft is published for comment, and whether it defines “Ali Baba” precisely enough to catch the practice without catching ordinary subcontracting.
DailyDrop Malaysia edition No. 11 · Morning · THU., OCT. 15, 2026