Launch independent probe to restore MACC's credibility, NGOs tell PM

 

A coalition of some 50 non-government organisations (NGOs) today urged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to launch an independent investigation into MACC chief Azam Baki's ownership of shares.

In a statement, the group said that an investigation is needed to restore the anti-graft body's credibility.

"Given the current controversy over the shareholdings in MACC chief Azam Baki’s name, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, demand that the authorities headed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob put in motion a much-needed independent investigation to restore the credibility of the MACC," the groups said.

The statement was initiated by four NGOs: Suaram, Patriot, Aliran, and Gerak.

They also called the authorities to get Azam (above) and members of the MACC oversight bodies to answer several questions regarding the scandal.

They said Azam should answer how he allowed his brother to buy the shares on his securities account, given that such an act could be in violation of the Security Industry (Central Depositories) Act?

They also want answers to why MACC's Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairperson Abu Zahar Ujang exonerated Azam and relied on his personal opinion while disregarding the views of other board members as alleged.

"Why did the other members of the advisory board remain silent about the complaints raised by Dr Terence Gomez after they attended a meeting on Nov 24 to discuss them?

"The MACC advisory board must also release the minutes of its Nov 24 meeting to show on what basis it exonerated Azam Baki without a proper investigation."

On top of this, the NGOs called for Azam to be put on leave pending an investigation.

They stressed he should withdraw his letter of demand against a whistleblower who wrote about his share ownership in two publicly listed companies.

Azam came under scrutiny recently after allegations surfaced about him having owned shares in two companies back in 2015.

According to Excel Force Bhd's 2015 annual report, Azam owned 2,156,000 warrants in the company as of March 21, 2016. At the time, Azam was the head of MACC's investigation division.

However, in a press conference on Jan 5, Azam said he did not do anything wrong as the shares were bought by his brother, who only used his name.

On the same day, Abu Zahar also said Azam had explained the matter to them on Nov 24 last year.

Abu Zahar also claimed the board was satisfied that there was no wrongdoing.

However, this claim by Abu Zahar was later disputed by six other board members, who said this was not the board's position and Abu Zahar only expressed his personal opinion.

- Mkini