PAS surprised by Azam's contract extension, calls for credible MACC

 

PAS is surprised that the government has decided to reappoint Azam Baki as the MACC chief commissioner for a third time.

Citing the Sabah corruption scandal, among others, the Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man emphasised for a credible and independent MACC, which would act without fear or favour.

“I did not expect Azam’s position to be extended. However, the government has made a decision, and it is the government’s prerogative whether to extend it or not,” he added.

The extension of Azam’s contract for another year has courted brickbats from various quarters, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, who called it “unwelcome”.

Electoral reform group Bersih also said it proved that the Madani government has no solid roadmap for a reform agenda.

Among the criticisms against Azam is the perception that under his leadership the graft-busting agency dragged its feet in investigating the Sabah corruption scandal, in which multiple assemblypersons and state government leaders were implicated.

Tuan Ibrahim said MACC under Azam also has a tendency to create negative perception towards those being investigated.

He cited how MACC would for example show how much money it has seized in the course of investigations.

“So the media and public attack (the suspect), even though they have not been charged yet,” the PAS deputy president said.

He said MACC must act within boundaries. - Mkini