Authorities free to investigate misconduct allegation against MACC chief, says Abu Zahar

PUTRAJAYA: Authorities can investigate allegations of misconduct against Tan Sri Azam Baki, says Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang.

The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman said neither he nor any of the board members have the intention to prevent investigations, if any, against the MACC chief commissioner, who has been implicated over the shares controversy.

“If there are any reasons to investigate, we in fact, will encourage it in the name of upholding the law and to uphold the MACC’s integrity,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 11).

Abu Zahar pointed out that the advisory board has no power to carry out its own investigation into any criminal wrongdoings committed by MACC officers.

“While we have no authority on this, we have no intention whatsoever to prevent any government agency from carrying out investigations on the alleged misconduct of Tan Sri Azam Baki,” he added.

Allegations had surfaced that Azam owned a substantial amount of shares in Gets Global Bhd as well as Excel Force MSC Bhd between 2015 and 2016, when he was the MACC director of investigations.

On Jan 5, Abu Zahar had said that there was no pecuniary interest or conflict of interest on the part of Azam over the issue of acquiring shares of two companies as the MACC chief commissioner did not purchase the shares, which was done by his younger brother, Nasir.

The advisory board had called for a meeting on Nov 24 last year and had summoned Azam to explain the allegations.

Abu Zahar had then said the board was satisfied with the explanation given and found there was no criminal conduct or conflict of interest on Azam’s part on this matter.