KUALA LUMPUR: Issues involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, including allegations over share ownership and claims of a "corporate mafia", remain under active investigation, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the authorities were still examining both sets of allegations and that his position on the matter had been consistent.
"I have said there must be a transparent investigation process, including on the share ownership issue and the allegations about a corporate mafia.
"Both of these are not closed – that is the difference," he told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Tuesday (March 3).
He was responding to a supplementary question from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who queried the government’s position and the level of transparency surrounding the investigation.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal had earlier highlighted calls for Azam to be placed on leave and questioned whether the government was now taking a different stance in handling the issue.
"Don’t assume the worst. Let the investigation establish the facts," said Anwar, adding that all allegations – whether relating to share ownership or wider claims raised in international reports – must go through the same process, as a matter of principle.
He added that in cases involving public servants, there were clear procedures to be followed, beginning with formal reports and internal processes before further action is taken.
"Usually, in accusations involving any public servant, we first follow the process of receiving reports from the relevant officials," he said, adding that current inquiries were being conducted in line with existing rules.
He said the investigation was being led at the level of the Attorney General, but noted that the scope could be broadened if needed.
"The rules provide for two stages... In fact, in the Cabinet’s letter, we decided that it would be extended if the existing investigation is found to be inadequate or does not fully cover the scope of the objections raised," he said.
Anwar reiterated that his stand now was no different from his earlier position.
"Previously, I asked for the matter to be investigated, and now it is the same. From that perspective, there is no difference between my earlier view and now: investigate. But now, the investigation must follow the procedures that have been set," he said.
On Feb 11, Bloomberg published an article titled "Who’s Watching Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog?", detailing allegations that a group of businessmen, allegedly working with certain MACC officers, had pressured corporate figures in takeover cases. The report later described this as a "corporate mafia" network.
On Feb 13, Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that it was probing Bloomberg for alleged defamation after two police reports were lodged.
