PKR MPs want Azam suspended, warn PM not to repeat Najib's mistake

 

Eight PKR MPs have called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to suspend MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and to order an investigation into allegations surrounding his shareholdings and that the commission’s top brass colluded with business figures in schemes to edge out corporate rivals and orchestrate takeovers.

The lawmakers, represented by Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, also cautioned Anwar not to repeat the same mistake as his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak during the 1MDB scandal.

“We’ve been through it, Malaysia has been through (the 1MDB scandal) and we know the ‘scripts’ when it comes to exposure by international media. We’ve seen what happened to 1MDB.

“As Anwar once proclaimed, the people are the judges of the nation. This matter will reach the people; it’s just a matter of time.

“It would not be worthwhile for Anwar to be judged by the people in a general election over allegations involving a public servant,” Rafizi told a press conference this morning.

The PKR lawmakers who endorsed the statement were Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, Subang MP Wong Chen, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Sungai Siput MP S Kesavan, Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan.

Investigations necessary

Describing the media reports as a “nightmare” for Malaysians who had to endure the 1MDB scandal, Rafizi said the allegations should trigger an independent and transparent investigation.

"Because Anwar’s reaction to Bloomberg’s first report (regarding Azam’s shareholding) was to try to cover it up, we have no choice - this is what we are going to do,” he said.

Azam Baki

Rafizi, who will lodge a police report against Azam, likened the MACC chief commissioner’s explanation regarding his shares to a “Form Four student doing an accounting assignment”.

“(The explanation) does not make sense, so how can we believe it? Now, he (Azam) has begun intimidation tactics; there are MACC reports, and they say they will investigate.

“If they think these tactics would conceal this matter or slow down our efforts to push for this to be investigated, we’re here to tell them that it is our duty and responsibility to voice the people’s demand on their behalf.

“We don’t ask for much, just investigate. What’s so hard about it?”

Panic from power abuse claim

Rafizi stated that allegations of power abuse against Azam are a big enough reason to cause panic and justify the need for investigations now.

“The RM100,000 shares were nothing compared to the (power abuse) allegations because the implications (of the allegations) are huge because MACC is a powerful agency, including the ability to freeze bank accounts while still in the investigation stage.

“It’s not a matter of not liking Azam but a serious accusation that even if we swept it under the rug in Malaysia, it will impact (the country) globally because the rest of the world reads Bloomberg, including investors.

“The allegations were not only against Azam but also against the police and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). The implication is huge, especially when there are people named (in the report) and they attest to (these allegations),” he added.

Calls for Azam’s suspension, resignation

Following exposés by Bloomberg and Malaysiakini on Azam’s shareholdings, there have been widespread calls for the MACC chief to be investigated, suspended, or to resign.

The Companies Commission of Malaysia records revealed that Azam had at some point held considerable shares in two publicly 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.

Azam, earlier, said that he had nothing to hide and is open to being investigated by any independent committee established by the government over his share ownership.

He reiterated that all his financial and asset declarations were made in accordance with applicable public service regulations and through the prescribed official channels, as required. - Mkini