SHAH ALAM: The investigation into Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki should not stop the work of the anti-graft body in combating corruption, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said investigations into the allegations involving Azam would be conducted transparently and openly, without protecting any individual.
He said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the Auditor-General’s Chambers would set up a special committee to investigate the matter.
The special committee must be given the space to do its job thoroughly before any action is taken, he added.
“They will then look into the case in a transparent manner,” Anwar told the media after performing Friday prayers at the Surau Politeknik Shah Alam here.
He was asked whether the MACC chief commissioner should go on leave.
He said the Cabinet had discussed the matter and agreed that the probe must be transparent.
“If there is proof, we will take the case forward. The investigation should not disturb the work of the MACC, especially when there are always efforts to derail the commission.
“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 who may use this (Azam’s case) to their advantage,” he said.
Anwar said he had told the MACC that there was no need to fear but to continue being brave to fight against corruption.
He said the MACC must carry out its duties bravely and firmly, ignoring outside pressures, to safeguard the nation from corruption.
Bloomberg had reported that Azam was listed as holding some shares, which he had since denied, saying he no longer holds any shares in any company.
Earlier in Putrajaya, government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that the special committee’s findings would be presented to the Cabinet.
Asked if the Cabinet had discussed a suggestion to suspend Azam, Fahmi said the matter 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 said.
Fahmi said this was part of the government’s effort to ensure transparency and integrity in the investigation process.
Meanwhile, a group of PKR backbenchers is calling for Azam’s immediate suspension.
In a joint statement yesterday, eight MPs, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, described the claims of abuse of power and corruption within enforcement agencies as “very serious”.
“These allegations are a nightmare for Malaysians who have lived through a major scandal nearly a decade ago,” they said.
“The revelations are serious enough to warrant a free, independent and transparent investigation.”
Besides Rafizi (Pandan), the statement was signed by Wong Chen (Subang), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), S. Kesavan (Sungai Siput), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng) and Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju).
They warned that it would be damaging if the government and Pakatan Harapan were judged over allegations linked to a senior public official.
