The chest-thumping, the claims of innocence and the words of bravado have ended in a whimper.
It was the final opportunity to redeem the man from allegations of impropriety - breaching government regulations of civil servants owning shares - something so sacrosanct when you are leading the fight against corruption.
The saga began in January 2022, after investigative journalist/researcher Lalitha Kunaratnam’s articles alleging the MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s links to his ownership of shares in two public-listed companies.
When faced with these allegations, Azam initially said: “I allowed my brother to use my name (in the purchase of shares).”
Following a meeting with officials of the Securities Commission (SC), he declared that “I have been cleared by the SC”.
In a statement, he declared: “I am thankful for the decision of the SC which found that I have not committed any offence.”
It was strange that the supposed wrongdoer was exonerating himself but the truth emerged the next day.
The SC declared it found that Azam had control over his trading account and that he had also used it to trade shares.
His bluff was called but it was the prime minister of the day, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who chose to pardon Azam, claiming that “he had explained himself.”
Facts speak for themselves
In a subsequent police report filed by MACC senior assistant commissioner Mohan Munusamy, he alleged that Lalitha’s articles were factually wrong.
The report also alleged the articles implied that senior enforcement officials are corrupt just because of their involvement in business.
In a previous column, I wrote: “But what was factually wrong? Even before a thorough investigation had been completed, how could he have concluded that they were factually wrong?”
Is it wrong to state that Azam or anyone else owned shares in a public-listed company by showing records of share ownership? If so, why are the Companies Commission of Malaysia and other government agencies allowing Joe Public to inspect records of companies?
Thankfully, the police dismissed the complaint and classified it as NFA (No Further Action).
Through a press release on Jan 12, 2022, Azam’s legal team announced the filing of the defamation action against Lalitha in his personal capacity.
He previously issued a letter of demand to Lalitha via his lawyers, demanding an apology and RM10 million in damages.
Lalitha stood by her reports and criticised the MACC’s attempt to rope in the police to investigate her.
In another commentary, I wrote: “To say that the image and reputation of the MACC are in tatters would be an understatement.
“Its chief, Azam, offered a preposterous and ludicrous explanation on his reported ownership of shares in public-listed companies. But he did not do himself any favour by claiming, ‘I did no wrong’.”
The civil courts would have been the last chance salon for some form of salvation.
Although there would have been no salacious details to reveal in court, it would certainly have been the right platform for Azam to redeem himself, his dignity, honour and status.
Yesterday, he discontinued his defamation suit against Lalitha.
What will PM do?
What now for Azam, who is supposed to be the face of the anti-graft agency?
He remains accused of impropriety - breaching government regulations. Can he continue in office, especially after the SC has confirmed his “active participation” in the transaction of shares?
What has Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has been shouting himself hoarse of misconduct and corruption viewed the latest developments?
A month after taking office in December 2022, he said enforcement agencies should take immediate action against irregularities at the various levels regardless of position and ideology.
Anwar said all parties need to be determined to bring about change to take the country in a better direction despite receiving strong objections from the wealthy and powerful with high titles.
“If we don’t, it’s a big risk because we’re facing very rich and powerful persons with high titles, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri, and Tun... if there is a determination to bring change, God willing, we can do it,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
So, will he allow anyone with tainted hands to head a government agency and bring to book the crooked rich and entitled? - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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