On Azam being placed on leave, PM defers to task force scrutiny

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki need not be placed on leave even as the government establishes a task force to probe his shareholding scandal.

Asked whether Azam should step aside, Anwar replied: "Let the (task force) examine the case first, we need to know if it is serious, if there is a basis, only then, we move forward.

“Just because we have become ‘victims’ (of MACC’s investigation), we immediately use this (issue) to pressure (Azam),” he told reporters in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Anwar, who extended Azam’s tenure three times despite past criticism from Pakatan Harapan, stressed he does not want the controversy surrounding the chief commissioner to derail MACC’s overall work.

"I don’t want this to affect MACC’s role as a whole, because certainly there are efforts to restrain them, especially when they take firm and strict action against corrupt individuals.

“MACC should not worry about other opinions; it must carry out its duties courageously and decisively. This country must be saved from the widespread evil of corruption,” he added.

Like his predecessors, Anwar - who has proclaimed a war on corruption - faces accusations of weaponising MACC against political rivals while shielding his allies.

The prime minister has also consistently defended Azam, previously praising his “extraordinary courage in tackling high-level corruption” and justifying his third tenure extension.

Azam Baki

He also moved quickly to defend Azam when the shareholding controversy emerged, urging all parties to read the chief commissioner’s explanation.

Suspension not discussed

Earlier, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil, who announced the task force, clarified that Azam’s suspension was not discussed during the cabinet meeting.

Prior to the announcement of the task force, Azam issued a statement this morning that he is prepared to be investigated.

The chief commissioner said all his financial and asset declarations were made in accordance with applicable public service regulations and through the prescribed official channels, as required of every public servant.

“I welcome any transparent, independent and objective process to ascertain the facts based on evidence and in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law.

“Such an approach is important not only to safeguard my personal integrity, but also to preserve public confidence in the MACC as an institution,” he added. - Mkini