Anwar alleged to oppose quick release of probe report on MACC chief

 

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly advised officials against the immediate release of a report concerning the shareholdings of the country’s anti-corruption chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, according to sources familiar with the matter.

A three-member panel of senior civil servants, led by the attorney general, has since submitted its findings to the Cabinet.

The issue has now been passed to the chief secretary to the government to determine the next course of action.

However, Anwar is said to have instructed those involved to delay making the report. The move is intended to allow authorities to first complete a separate probe into allegations highlighted in a Bloomberg report. 

These claims centre on a group of businessmen accused of working alongside MACC officials to pressure and remove corporate executives.

Sources indicated that the prime minister is concerned that releasing the shareholding findings prematurely could affect public perception of his administration, particularly with the possibility of a general election taking place as early as this year.

Meanwhile, Azam is expected to step down when his term ends on May 12, according to earlier reports. He is also believed to be seeking appointment as a senator after leaving office.

There has been no immediate response from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the matter. Azam and representatives from the MACC have also yet to comment. — Focus Malaysia