'Quit sensationalising MACC deputy chief's health, work status'

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya has urged the media to refrain from sensationalising her deputy Azam Baki going on sick leave.

"We already said there is no issue. People go on medical leave, that’s not news. I urge that the press stop sensationalising everything the enforcement agency does.

"We must be free from politics. So, anything done by MACC and in the course of our duty, stop politicising, stop sensationalising. 

"Let us do our job,” she told reporters after the signing of the Selangor government's corruption-free pledge in Shah Alam today.

Latheefa was responding to a question concerning Azam's workload once resuming his duties as deputy chief commissioner in charge of operations following his recent hospitalisation.

Malaysiakini reported on Thursday that MACC could be appointing an acting deputy in view of Azam's (photo) health.

Sources claimed the 56-year-old collapsed again several days after being discharged from Putrajaya Hospital last month.

He was then alleged to have been admitted to the intensive care unit, possibly due to kidney failure.

Malaysiakini further reported Azam had been discharged on Aug 10.

Latheefa had denied this, and said her deputy was expected to officially return to work on Aug 22.

The deputy chief commissioner for operations, considered one of the most vital posts in MACC, oversees various key divisions, including investigation and intelligence, special operations, anti-money laundering and forensics, as well as the operations of state offices.

Asset declaration for state reps

On a separate matter, Latheefa called on the Selangor government to encourage lawmakers in the state to declare their assets, as is practised in Parliament.

"The MACC is calling on the state government (to help). So it is up to the state government," she said during a press conference on the anti-graft pledge initiative.

Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari (second from right in photo), who said his government is prepared to discuss the matter.

"We are prepared to draft and discuss (asset declaration for state assemblypersons). If we need to, we are prepared to consider this, as is practised in Parliament.

"The majority of assemblypersons are not involved with executive powers. That is why the state government decided to limit (asset declarations) to state excos who are exposed to higher executive powers,” he said.

As of Aug 15, 44 government departments, two private companies, three GLCs and two NGOs and organisations have taken Selangor's corruption-free pledge.

On July 1, the Dewan Rakyat approved a special motion for all MPs and their immediate family members to declare their assets.

These declarations must be submitted within three months from the day the motion was approved.

The Dewan Negara later followed suit, with senators being compelled to declare their assets to the speaker and the MACC.

Earlier this month, Latheefa praised MPs for their cooperation in the exercise.

She explained that both asset and liability declarations will be put up on the MACC website, although certain details would be withheld to protect the MPs and their privacy. - Mkini