Abu Zahar regrets ACAB members disputed him before meeting up

 

Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) chairperson Abu Zahar Ujang has expressed regret that six members of the board members issued a statement on MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki's share ownership, without first informing him.

This come after six members of ACAB stated Abu Zahar's statement on clearing Azam from any wrongdoing, was entirely his personal view.

At a press conference today, Abu Zahar said he is prepared to be investigated at any time.

He then shared a few text message exchanges between board members and the chronology that led to his decision calling for a closed-door meeting on Jan 11 following a request from board members.

"Allow me to explain my good relationship with all six members since our appointments into the ACAB," he said.

He said board member Azman Ujang sent him a text message on Jan 7 at 6.19pm, stating that "the issue is getting hotter and hotter", followed by a text message from David Chua, who texted, "ACAB need to meet and discuss this matter urgently and come up with a clear statement to state ACAB position by early next week. Keep silent is not an option".

"At 6.27pm, Ismail Omar texted, 'Yes, we're meeting on Jan 11. Need to address relevant issues'. I expressed my consent to hold a closed-door meeting on Jan 11 at 10am at the MACC Academy, following their views and request.

"On Jan 8, I found that all six of the members had held a meeting among themselves without informing me, and they had issued a media statement.

"I am of the opinion that the press statement issued by the members, who wish to stay away from my statement on Jan 5, is deeply regrettable," he said.

He believed the six issued the statement in response to the unpopular public response following inaccurate reporting by the media.

There have been calls for Abu Zahar to quit his position as ACAB chairperson after the statement by the six stating the board did not clear Azam.

At today's press conference, Abu Zahar merely read out his statement and left the press conference room at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya without taking any questions from the media. - Mkini