The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed on August 19, 2026, that investigations into former Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar were closed in 2024 because of insufficient evidence to prosecute him [1, 2, 3, 4].
The probes traced back to 2019 when projects awarded during Jayakumar's ministerial tenure were suspected of involving bribery [1, 3]. MACC opened two investigation papers in 2021 under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 to look into allegations linked to those projects [1, 2, 3, 4]. Jayakumar became a subject of inquiry following the arrest of his close associate M A Thinagaran on suspicion of bribery [1, 3, 4].
"Two investigation papers were opened in 2021 under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. Following thorough investigations and detailed examination of the relevant facts, documents and evidence, the deputy public prosecutor decided in 2024 to close the case as there was insufficient evidence to prefer charges against Datuk Dr Xavier," MACC stated [2]. The commission also emphasized all investigations were "conducted professionally, transparently, and based on facts and evidence, without influence from any party" [1].
The investigation length depended on case complexity and evidence verification processes [1, 4]. Despite public scrutiny, including former MP Kua Kia Soong's questioning of the investigation's transparency on August 18, 2026, MACC maintained its findings and final decision [3, 4].
Xavier Jayakumar recently returned to the PKR party in 2026 after a five-year absence since leaving in 2021 [3, 4].
