PUTRAJAYA: MCA Youth has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office urging the government to address controversies surrounding Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung (pic) led a delegation of youth leaders to deliver the memorandum on Wednesday (March 12), calling for investigations and reforms to strengthen oversight of the MACC.
The memorandum was received by Muhammad 'Arif Ya'kub, Parliament and Cabinet division director in the Prime Minister's Office.
Speaking to reporters, Saw said the controversy involving Azam had been ongoing for more than a month but the government had yet to take clear action.
"The government must provide an explanation before Azam Baki's term expires in May," she said.
She noted that the issue revolved around two main allegations – claims that Azam had held shares exceeding allowable limits as well as the existence of a so-called "corporate mafia" within the MACC.
Saw said with about two months remaining before Azam's tenure end, it would be reasonable for him to be suspended pending investigations.
"Suspension does not mean someone is guilty but ensures that investigations can proceed without interference or conflict of interest," she said.
Saw also said before the general elections, the government had promised not to renew Azam's contract and to investigate the matter but his tenure had since been extended three times.
"If investigations confirm wrongdoing or abuse of power, those responsible must be held accountable according to the law," she said.
Saw also questioned the independence of the current investigation, noting that both the Attorney General's Chambers and the Chief Secretary to the Government were appointed by the Prime Minister.
"The government should establish an independent Royal Commission of Inquiry instead of having individuals appointed by the Prime Minister investigating the matter to ensure the findings are credible and transparent," she said.
Saw said officials from the Prime Minister's Office informed the delegation that an investigation report on the issue was submitted to the Cabinet several days ago but had yet to be made public.
"We hope the government will release the report as soon as possible and establish a more credible mechanism to investigate the matter," she added.
In the memorandum, MCA Youth also outlined four key proposals.
These include suspending Azam pending investigations, establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry, reforming the appointment process for the MACC chief so that it is decided by Parliament, and placing the MACC directly under parliamentary oversight rather than the Prime Minister's Office.
Saw said stronger external oversight mechanisms were necessary to ensure the MACC itself remained accountable.
"The MACC's role is to monitor enforcement agencies but the question is who monitors the MACC. In a democratic society, no institution should be completely free from oversight," she said.
She added that the proposals were aimed not only at addressing the current controversy but also at strengthening institutional reforms to ensure the MACC remains independent, transparent and accountable.
Among those present were MCA Youth central committee member and Selangor MCA Youth deputy chief Lee Kok Seng and central committee members Lee Yee Yuan, Norman Fong Keng Man, Lim Soon Pin, Yeong Chee Chung and Izzac Wong Zhengyao, as well as Janet Mah Kit Mun.
