PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has rejected allegations of a breach of government regulations within the Commission, as reported by Bloomberg media.
The Commission said the allegations were aimed at defaming its name and reputation and were purely speculative.
“Any suggestion or insinuation that private interests influence MACC’s investigations is categorically rejected.
“All investigations undertaken by MACC are conducted strictly in accordance with the law, guided by evidence, and carried out independently, without fear or favour.
“Allegations of misconduct cannot be adjudicated through media narratives but must be assessed through the established legal system and due process of justice,” it said in a statement.
MACC also stressed its decisions related to prosecution were subject to prosecutorial discretion and judicial oversight by the Attorney General’s Chambers and the courts, in line with Malaysia’s legal framework, founded on the principle of separation of powers.
As an enforcement agency, MACC’s functions and roles are governed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and are subject to oversight by five independent bodies.
The Commission added that any individual or party in possession of credible, verifiable evidence of corruption or misconduct is urged to channel such information through the appropriate legal avenues to enable proper assessment and action in accordance with the law.
Chairman of MACC’s advisory board, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, said any media reports on MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s personal shareholdings should be based on facts, not perceptions.
He said all parties should refrain from making and spreading speculations that purportedly portray Azam’s failure to comply.
“The board takes serious note of the Bloomberg report involving Azam and its implications for the integrity and credibility of the institution as a whole.
“It should be assessed based on facts and processes rather than through perceptions formed by incomplete or unbalanced reports,” he said in a statement.
Bloomberg reported there could be a breach of government regulations on shareholdings allegedly owned by Azam.
Azam has since reportedly said that his acquisition of shares was conducted transparently and did not violate any laws.
Mohamad Salim said, based on the review and explanations provided, Azam’s asset declaration requirement had been clearly submitted to the Chief Secretary of the Government in accordance with the Public Service Circular, in line with the effective public service governance framework and through the designated official channels.
“As one of the five independent monitoring bodies of the MACC established under Section 13 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, the board has a clear role to advise, examine and evaluate the Commission’s progress in terms of policy, strategy, governance and the effectiveness of its implementation.”
The board, he said, will continue to carry out its responsibilities independently, objectively and reliably, without being influenced by external pressure, to ensure that the MACC continues to function efficiently, with integrity and the trust of the people.
