Whistleblower stands by Azam reports, slams attempt at police probe

Whistleblower K Lalitha, who wrote about MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki's share ownership in two publicly listed companies, is standing by her reports.

In a statement issued through her lawyer Manjeet Singh Dhillon, she also criticised the MACC's attempt to rope in the police to investigate her.

Manjeet said the police report lodged by MACC's senior assistant commissioner "draws premature 'know-all' conclusions concerning his boss's conduct even before the commencement of any probe into it".

He added that the police report was misplaced considering that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also called for a forthcoming investigation into Azam's conduct in share dealings.

Azam came under the spotlight over his ownership of 1,930,000 shares in Gets Global Berhad (previously KBES Berhad) on April 30, 2015 worth around RM772,000 at the time.

His shareholding in Gets Global Berhad went down to 1,029,500 as of March 31, 2016, worth around RM340,000 at the time.

He also held 2,156,000 warrants in Excel Force MSC Berhad in March 2016.

The share ownership in 2015 and 2016 had raised questions on whether it was commensurate with his income as a public servant.

In a special press conference on Jan 5, Azam did not dispute the ownership of the shares but claimed they were bought in his name by his younger brother. They have since been transferred to his brother.

However, the explanation attracted the attention of the Securities Commission for possible misuse of trading accounts.

Azam had since issued a letter of demand against Lalitha, demanding an apology and RM10 million in damages.

Manjeet said Lalitha's reports were based on public records, regulatory reports and corporate financial filings.

He added that Lalitha had also sought Azam's comments for his side of the story on Dec 10 via Whatsapp but there was no response.

He added that she also reached out to his personal assistant but there was likewise no response.

"Lalitha welcomes the call of both the prime minister of Malaysia in a press conference in Kota Marudu and the home minister that the entire matter concerning Azam's role and share dealings will be investigated.

"Lalitha's call is that this should be done by a credible and independent body with no hint of bias or conflict of interest and one that inspires total public confidence in keeping with the status, role and responsibilities of the MACC in dealing with corruption in Malaysia," said Manjeet.

The lawyer added that MACC should have no role in investigating its own chief commissioner. - Mkini