Rafizi: Did Anwar know of Azam Baki’s share ownership before the scandal blew up?

 

Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has raised sharp concerns over Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s continued support for Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, despite allegations of improper share ownership.

Speaking in a recent Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast, Rafizi argued that the MACC chief must be “whiter than white” to avoid any leverage that could compromise his independence.

He questioned whether any alleged exemptions granted by the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar regarding Azam’s shareholdings were properly communicated to the PM and demanded clarity on the number of shares Azam holds.

Rafizi described Azam as a “shareholder guru”, suggesting that his investments may run into millions, raising doubts about compliance with civil service rules.

He stressed that any exemption for share purchases exceeding RM100,000 should have been reported to Anwar, implying that the PM’s silence amounts to tacit approval.

The former minister warned that such unresolved questions risk undermining public trust in the MACC, especially given its role in investigating high-profile corruption cases.

He argued that powerful figures in law enforcement must remain beyond reproach, free from conflicts of interest or hidden business ties.

He urged transparency, insisting that the government must disclose whether Azam’s exemptions were formally approved and whether Anwar was informed.

The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of Azam’s shareholding scandal, which has already prompted calls from lawmakers for an independent investigation beyond the limited scope of the current civil service committee. — Focus Malaysia