SHAH ALAM: Any investigation of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki should not stop the graft buster's fight against corruption, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has said that he will set up the special committee and study the matter with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the heads of civil service.
"They will then follow the process to look into the case in a transparent manner," he told the media on Friday (Feb 13).
When met after Friday prayers here, Anwar had been asked to comment on the decision by the Cabinet earlier in the day to form a special committee to probe Azam's alleged share ownership.
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"We have discussed this matter and agreed that the probe must be transparent.
"Once (any proof is obtained), we will take the case forward.
"The investigation should not disturb the work and role of the MACC, especially when there are always efforts to derail it.
"This tends to happen when the anti-graft agency takes on a stricter approach and is harsher in combating corruption.
"There may be parties of interest using this (the allegations against Azam) to their advantage.
"We find that there is minimal pressure, even in Parliament, put on the corrupt in our country. Even in the cases of big fishes, there is almost no support in Parliament.
"I have told MACC that there is no need to fear but to continue being brave against corruption as the country must be saved from the felonies of the corrupt which have spread widely," he said, adding that he was leaving for Kedah.
Bloomberg had suggested in a recent report that there could be a breach of government regulations in terms of shareholding by Azam.
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In response, Azam said on Tuesday (Feb 10) that his acquisition of shares was conducted transparently and did not violate any laws.
Azam also said he no longer holds any shares in any company, as his trading account is now empty and this can be verified with Bursa Malaysia.
He also said he had commenced legal action against Bloomberg over the allegations which he described as libellous, misleading and damaging to his reputation and the integrity of the MACC.
The following day, Bloomberg published another report alleging the MACC’s involvement in a "corporate mafia" ring.
In response, Azam said he was ready to be investigated by an independent committee established by the government as it would be crucial to defending his personal integrity and maintaining public confidence in the MACC.
