DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said although the party was unable to persuade the cabinet to establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI), the authorities have nevertheless expanded investigations into the alleged “corporate mafia”.
He stressed that since investigations are underway, there must eventually be an outcome, and DAP will continue to follow up on the matter.
Speaking in an interview on the online programme “The Keywords”, Loke reiterated that DAP views the allegations of a “corporate mafia” as extremely serious and believes they must be investigated and acted upon.
“That is why our position has been to call for the establishment of an RCI,” said the transport minister.
He added that DAP had raised its stance in the recent cabinet meeting, but unfortunately, it did not receive the cabinet’s support and therefore, it could not be implemented.
“Although an RCI has not been set up, it does not mean the matter is not being investigated. A task force has been formed to conduct investigations, and the scope of the probe has already been expanded.
“The investigation is not limited to examining the shareholdings of (MACC chief commissioner) Azam Baki. It is also looking into the corporate mafia allegations. The results have not yet been announced, but the findings must eventually be reported to the cabinet, and we will follow up,” said Loke.
Police’s own probe
Beyond the task force’s investigation, Loke said the police must also conduct their own probe since certain individuals have been named.
“From what I understand, the police have already frozen funds belonging to several companies, including those linked to some of the individuals mentioned. Their funds have been frozen,” said Loke, adding that the police should act quickly and charge those involved.
“If there is sufficient evidence, they should be charged. In the end, there must be an answer and action on this matter, so we will continue to follow up.”
Loke also said that DAP leaders had already heard allegations about the “corporate mafia” as early as between 2020 and 2022.
“To be frank, this allegation is not new. It did not only emerge after the unity government came into power. I had heard about such allegations or cases as far back as five years ago.
“At least after the Sheraton Move - during 2020, 2021, and 2022 - I had already heard similar allegations. Some of the companies affected were known to me, and I had heard them say they were facing such problems,” said Loke.
He further said DAP chairperson Gobind Singh Deo had at one point served as the lawyer representing one of the affected companies.
“These allegations have now surfaced publicly. In the past, we might have only heard rumours or accounts from companies, but no one had truly come forward to speak openly.
“Now an international media outlet has reported on it, naming individuals and companies. Since names have been mentioned, we cannot treat this matter lightly,” Loke noted.
He said businesspeople, bankers, stock investors, and listed companies would certainly be concerned about the alleged activities of the “corporate mafia”.
He added that such issues could damage investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s enforcement and judicial institutions.
“Although our judiciary has relatively strong credibility and independence, if an enforcement agency can be manipulated or exploited by certain individuals for their own purposes, the damage would be significant.
“That is why the MACC must be cleared of suspicion. Our position is that the matter must be investigated thoroughly to find out who the masterminds are, and to ensure that the reputation of the MACC is not destroyed,” said Loke.
Bloomberg had reported that certain MACC officers were in cahoots with some corporate personalities to shake down business rivals.
Following the report, politicians from both sides of the divide have called on the government to establish an RCI to look into the allegations.
On Feb 24, the MACC issued a second firm denial and dismissed the claims as baseless.
Azam’s tenure
Although the cabinet discussed the investigation report into Azam’s alleged “shareholding”, the meeting merely announced that the matter would be referred to the chief secretary to the government for follow-up, without specifying any further action, especially regarding whether Azam will remain in his position.
When asked about this, Loke said the public would only need to wait about two more months to know whether Azam’s contract will be renewed.
“His term ends in May. So, if you ask me how long you need to wait, just wait another two months, and you will definitely know. By May, you will know whether his contract will be extended.
“I cannot speak on behalf of the prime minister about whether the contract will be renewed, but at the very least, I am confident that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will make a clear decision,” he concluded. - Mkini
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