We kick off the new year with a critical look at a RM1.38B sukuk lawsuit shaking up infrastructure finance, insider exits at tech firms, aggressive land acquisitions, and bold regulatory reforms targeting business costs.

With global shocks like Venezuela’s political upheaval now impacting oil flows, it’s a high-stakes week on every front.

Corporate & Market Developments

⚖️ RM1.38B Sukuk Lawsuit Targets CIMB

* 14 sukuk holders file suit over MEX II highway project

* Allegation: CIMB failed to ring-fence funds, leaving project incomplete

* Test case for accountability in Islamic finance

* CIMB expects no material impact, but reputational risks loom large

🚪 Farhash Wafa Exits MMAG Holdings

* Sells entire 19.9% stake for RM87.32M

* Sale price of 18.9 sen per share was more than double the market value

* High-premium exit follows sharp stock decline in 2025

🏘️ Sunway Acquires RM180M in Land for GDV > RM1B

* New parcels in Puchong, USJ 1, George Town

* Strategy: Focus on integrated, transit-oriented developments

* Glomac sells Puchong land for RM97.3M to unlock value and reduce debt

🔧 Apex Healthcare Delisting After Takeover

* Pharmora completes acquisition

* Solid healthcare player exits public market spotlight

📈 Insights Analytics Hits Limit Up

* Boosted by CIMB Securities coverage, projecting 52% annual earnings growth

💻 Zetrix’s AI Age Verification Gets Mimos Endorsement

* Blockchain-based age-check tech aligns with under-16 social media policy

* Signals government’s preference for decentralised, privacy-first digital identity tools

Governance, Policy & Legal Headlines

🧾 2026 SME Reforms Announced by PM Anwar

* E-invoicing deadline delayed to 2027 for small businesses

* Service tax on rental for existing SMEs cut from 8% to 6%

* Moves aim to reduce pressure and support domestic consumption

🏢 MACC Launches Army Procurement Probe

* Targets 26 companies and their owners

* Expands previous graft investigations into systemic corruption in defence deals

Geopolitics & Global Macro Shocks

🛢️ Maduro Captured in Venezuela

* US military operation sparks global market volatility

* Oil prices spike; dollar and gold rally

* Raises uncertainty for China and Russia’s energy investments

🌍 Malaysia’s KLCI Targeted at 1,821 Despite Outflows

* RM94M net foreign outflow last week

* Optimism driven by tight labour market, salary hikes, cash aid

* Domestic institutions and retail expected to bridge the foreign capital gap

🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!

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