MPs denounce executive roadblock hindering PSC probe on MACC chief

Opposition lawmakers have denounced an executive roadblock hindering a Parliamentary probe on MACC chief Azam Baki.

Chan Foong Hing (Harapan-Kota Kinabalu), Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka), Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar) and William Leong (Harapan-Selayang) said they had on Dec 29 pushed for the Special Select Committee (PSC) for Agencies under the Prime Minister's Department to summon Azam (above).

They said the PSC's chairperson Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PAS-Kuala Krai) then referred the matter to the Dewan Rakyat secretary for further action and to set a meeting with the graft-buster.

However, the MPs, who are on the PSC, said the meeting has yet to be set as the Dewan Rakyat secretary is waiting for a response from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

They said this was an unnecessary obstacle for the committee to operate.

"The PSC, as an institution established by the Dewan Rakyat, must function independently from the executive.

"The PSC cannot function effectively if its mandate is subject to the minister’s discretion as there may be a conflict of interest. This would also set a negative precedence for all other PSC," they said in a joint statement today.

They noted that Wan Junaidi had previously told Parliament that PSCs need not refer matters to the executive for approval.

Azam has been under fire after it emerged that he held millions in shares and warrants in two publicly listed companies during his tenure as MACC investigations director.

The MACC chief claimed his brother had used his account to buy the shares and denied any wrongdoing.

Chan, Khoo, Azis, and Leong said the PSC secretariat must set a meeting with Azam soon so they can get a clarification regarding the controversy surrounding him.

They said the best time to set the meeting should be on Jan 20 or 21 when Parliament convenes for a special sitting to discuss the flood crisis.

The quartet said this would optimise time and resources.

"In addition, the minister should reaffirm that the PSC can decide on its own agenda and refrain from intervening.

"As a matter of urgency, we will also be writing to the Dewan Rakyat speaker (Azhar Azizan Harun) to clarify on the issue," they said. - Mkini