Being a hardworking civil servant does not exempt anyone, not even MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, from investigation, said Public Accounts Committee chairperson Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Hurling brickbats at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Mas Ermieyati (above) also expressed shock over the former’s defence of Azam.
“I was very surprised (to learn) that the prime minister made such a statement (last night). This is a statement that I never expected to come from him.
“It is dangerous because it involves institutional issues, misconduct, and double standards towards other civil servants.
“To me, this is a very serious matter, and I insist, (as I said yesterday), that the government must respond to this matter (seriously).
“And the premier should not take this lightly,” she told reporters at Kuala Lumpur High Court today.
Also present were Pejuang leader Rafique Rashid Ali and Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid.
Following exposés over Azam’s shareholdings by Bloomberg and Malaysiakini, Anwar retorted with a spirited defence of the MACC chief.
"Why should I sack someone who is doing their job?... Read his (Azam's) explanation.
"This is a sickness. A person is doing their job but you insult them, why? Wrong. Listen to his explanation," the prime minister told the media briefly last night.
Azam’s shares
Recently, it was reported that the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) records revealed that Azam had at some point held considerable shares in two public listed companies.
Azam had owned 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner Berhad and around 4.52 million shares in Awanbiru Technology Berhad.
The MACC chief said he had declared all his shareholdings to the Public Service Department and had disposed of his portfolio by July last year, though he did not mention a specific date.
Between June 1 and July 31 last year, Velocity Capital Partner shares had traded as low as RM0.06 per share and RM0.075 per share.
If Azam had disposed of his shares in the company during this period, the value of the shares could have been between RM1.06 million and RM1.327 million.
As for Awanbiru Technology, their share prices during the June 1 and July 31, 2025 period ranged from RM0.275 per share to RM0.305.
If Azam had disposed of his shares in the company during this period, the value of the shares could have been between RM1.24 million and RM1.378 million.
The potential value of the MACC chief's shareholdings had triggered questions of whether he had violated a civil service rule that limits share purchases to not more than five percent of paid-up capital or RM100,000 at current value.
On that note, Mas Ermieyati reiterated her calls for Azam to resign and to be investigated over the scandal.
“I believe the calls for him (Azam) to resign and be investigated grew louder today. (The authorities) please be fair. Don't practice double standards where others can be investigated and taken action against (and not Azam).
“There are many doubtful matters (in recent reports) that need to be answered thoroughly by Azam,” the Bersatu MP added.
Why no asset declaration?
Rafique questioned why Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, which empowers a senior officer of MACC to compel any person to disclose information regarding their assets, was not invoked in this case.
“In the past, those who were associated with the previous government (or) were once at the top, would be slapped with (notices under) Section 36(1).
“They would receive a notice saying that if they did not declare (their assets), they would be detained or called for investigation.
“Now it is clear cut; Bloomberg published an article yesterday and today’s (report) was more explosive. Doesn’t this require Section 36(1)?” he asked.
Rafique also pointed out how MACC went after former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late Daim Zainuddin relentlessly – including their children - but seems to be dragging its feet on this case.
“Which is why the MPs are obligated to ask this, why the double standards?” he asked.
Responding to Anwar’s reaction, Rafique said the prime minister made a big mistake when he “tried” to sweep the matter under the rug.
“This is a matter of integrity, system and MACC’s credibility in the eyes of the people.
“The people no longer trust the system, so don’t question when the people come out and demand justice,” he added.
‘Walk the talk’
Rafique stated that this is the time for Anwar to prove to the public that he was serious about combating corruption.
“This is the most appropriate time for Anwar to prove whether he is just talking or he will take firm action, (as) our law is very clear.
“The one who advises on the appointment, extension, and termination of MACC’s chief is the prime minister.
“If the prime minister does not take action, it would mean that he is in collusion,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, Rosol said it would be best if the premier put Azam on garden leave pending a probe.
“This is because this matter involves a large hierarchy (MACC). An enforcement agency should uphold justice, not otherwise,” the Bersatu lawmaker added. - Mkini
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