PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has decided that a special committee will investigate the controversy surrounding Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s alleged share ownership, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The government spokesperson said the special committee would be led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
“The Cabinet also discussed the issue concerning the MACC chief commissioner and the Cabinet decided that a special committee led by the Chief Secretary to the Government will investigate allegations raised.
“After investigations are completed, it will be tabled to the Cabinet for further action,” said Fahmi in his weekly press conference on Friday (Feb 13).
Fahmi said these were part of efforts by the government to ensure transparency and integrity in the investigation process.
His remarks came after the weekly Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Asked if the Cabinet had deliberated a suggestion to suspend Azam as the MACC chief commissioner, Fahmi said it was not raised during the meeting.
“We will leave it to the Chief Secretary to the Government and the special committee to look into it,” he added.
Bloomberg had in a recent report suggested that there could be a breach in government regulations in terms of shareholding by Azam.
In response, Azam said his acquisition of shares were 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 can be verified with Bursa Malaysia.
Azam also commenced legal action against Bloomberg over the allegations which he described as libellous, misleading and damaging to his reputation and integrity of the MACC.
The following day on Feb 11, Bloomberg published another report alleging the MACC’s involvement in a “corporate mafia” ring.
Azam, in response, said he is ready to be probed by an independent committee established by the government to examine issues related to his share ownership.
Stressing that he had nothing to hide, Azam said he was fully open to a transparent and independent inquiry into the matter.
Azam said an independent and transparent probe is crucial to defend his personal integrity and also to maintain public confidence in the MACC as an institution.
