Stop speculations on Azam Baki's case, says former MACC officers group

 

An association representing former MACC officers have urged all quarters to refrain from further speculations pending the outcome of a probe into the shareholding scandal implicating MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.

The Association of Former MACC Officers president Mazlan Mohamad said while they take a serious view on the allegations against Azam (above), targeted attacks appeared to assume he’s guilty status and undermine public confidence in the anti-graft body.

“The association holds firm to the principle that a person is innocent until proven otherwise through the legal process, rather than through a public trial or trial by media.

“We also have confidence in the country’s criminal justice system as well as the legal process that guarantees the ‘dignity’ of individuals and organisations, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," said Mazlan said in a statement.

Amid mounting calls for an independent probe, Mazlan said the association has faith in the abilities of police and the Securities Commission to conduct a transparent, fair and just investigation on the allegations.

Support the legal process

"The association also requests that all parties whether or not with interest in this issue fully support the legal process of the country and not on act based on emotions," he said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had on Saturday made a similar call for all quarters to allow authorities space to conduct a thorough investigation.

Earlier today, a group of PKR Youth members and supporters held a peaceful protest in front of the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today, demanding Azam to step down.

Azam came under scrutiny recently after allegations surfaced about him having owned shares in two companies back in 2015.

According to Excel Force Bhd's 2015 annual report, Azam owned 2,156,000 warrants in the company as of March 21, 2016. At the time, Azam was the head of MACC's investigation division.

 However, in a press conference on Jan 5, Azam said he did not do anything wrong as the shares were bought by his brother, who only used his name.

On the same day, MACC Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairperson Abu Zahar Ujang also said that Azam had explained the matter to them on Nov 24 last year.

Abu Zahar also claimed that the board was satisfied that there was no wrongdoing.

However, this claim by Abu Zahar was later disputed by six other board members, who said that this was not the board's position and Abu Zahar had only expressed his personal opinion.

The Securities Commission had also stated that it would contact Azam over his admission that his brother had used his name to purchase shares. - Mkini