Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has called on newly appointed MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman to narrow his focus on the “corporate mafia” saga, as well as the company shareholding scandal involving his predecessor, Azam Baki.
In a statement today, the Damansara MP said Halim must outline his vision for the commission and present a clear roadmap of the specific reforms he intends to implement to safeguard the MACC’s independence and prevent future abuses of power.
Gobind said this is important to restore public confidence in the anti-graft agency, which has found itself shrouded in power abuse and misconduct allegations.
"Regarding the corporate mafia allegations, questions have been raised about the suspected involvement of certain MACC officials in corporate manoeuvres during investigations.
“These serious claims impact the MACC’s integrity and credibility. They must be addressed without fear, favour, or delay, with clear timelines set for the completion of this process.
"Concerning the shareholding issue, matters remain pending despite the cabinet directing action on the matter over a month ago.
"While Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar explained that a formal process must be followed, this cannot continue indefinitely. The new MACC chief should begin his tenure without such lingering allegations," Gobind added.
He said since a special committee led by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhar has already presented its findings to the cabinet, decisions must now be finalised quickly.
"Ultimately, accountability and transparency are paramount. The initial steps taken by the new MACC chief commissioner will define the trajectory of his leadership," Gobind added.
Over a month after findings by an investigation committee tasked with probing Azam's shareholding issue were tabled to the cabinet, Putrajaya has yet to be informed of any potential action against the nation’s top graft buster.
Ongoing process
Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil reiterated that the cabinet had decided to leave any necessary action to Shamsul, and also declined to disclose details of the committee’s findings.
“I cannot state the findings of the report as the process is still ongoing. Any action to be taken will be decided through the process involving the chief secretary to the government.
“As for when we might receive more information, the chief secretary will report to the cabinet later, but not today,” Fahmi told a post-cabinet meeting press conference on April 15.
The communications minister said this in response to questions from a Bloomberg representative, who referenced rules in a civil service disciplinary circular, including how civil servants cannot buy more than RM100,000 worth of shares in a single company.
In a March 31 statement, Shamsul said proceedings related to the probe on Azam’s share ownership had already been initiated under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
This, he said, came after the tabling of the investigation committee’s findings at a cabinet meeting on March 11.
Shamsul also denied a Bloomberg report alleging that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had asked the committee to delay the disclosure of its findings related to Azam’s shareholdings.
On April 1, Fahmi said Anwar and the cabinet are committed to disclosing investigations linked to the MACC chief, once both aspects are thoroughly probed.
Following reports by Bloomberg in February, Azam and the MACC have been at the centre of two separate probes: one on the nation’s top anti-graft officer’s share ownerships, and another on allegations of corporate manipulation.
MACC had previously denied allegations that its officers are involved in the corporate mafia scheme, dismissing such claims as baseless while alleging they are part of a smear campaign intended to undermine the agency’s reputation. - Mkini
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