MCA: Azam Baki probe delay fuels outrage, RCI needed now

 

CALLS are mounting for the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, amid growing public anger over delays in addressing allegations linked to excessive shareholdings and a so-called “corporate mafia”.

MCA vice president Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng said an independent and transparent probe is needed to restore confidence in enforcement agencies and address concerns surrounding the case.

“The issues of excessive shareholdings and alleged corporate mafia links pose a serious test to the credibility of our enforcement agencies, particularly the MACC and the police,” he stated.

“These institutions are meant to safeguard the public, yet they now face allegations of corruption and criminal links. Only a transparent and independent RCI can establish the truth and rebuild confidence.”

For context, Azam has been under scrutiny since earlier allegations over his shareholdings, which triggered investigations and public debate on governance standards. More recently, claims linking him to a so-called “corporate mafia” have intensified calls for greater transparency.

A special task force was set up in February, and the report has reportedly been submitted to the Cabinet but not made public.

Wee noted that following the emergence of the allegations, the government announced on Feb 13 the formation of a special task force led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. However, he said there has been no clear update or direct response on the corporate mafia claims.

More than a month on, Azam remains in his post, while the investigation report has yet to be made public.

“Under such circumstances, how can the rakyat have confidence in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption?” Wee said.

He also pointed out that government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil had stated on March 11 that the Cabinet had received the report, raising questions over the lack of disclosure or action.

“If Azam is innocent, his name should be cleared without delay. If wrongdoing is found, appropriate action must be taken,” he added.

Wee further cited a March 30 Bloomberg report suggesting the delay in releasing the findings could be linked to concerns over its potential impact on the general election.

“If this claim is untrue, the government must clarify it openly rather than remain silent,” he said, adding that continued silence risks fuelling speculation and eroding public trust.

He warned that prolonged inaction could undermine the government’s anti-corruption stance and raise concerns over whether enforcement agencies have been compromised.

“The fight against graft must not be reduced to mere rhetoric,” he said.

Wee urged the government to immediately establish an RCI to investigate the allegations and to suspend Azam pending the outcome and publication of the findings.

Separately, the government has denied a Bloomberg report alleging that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed a special committee to delay the release of findings into the probe involving the MACC head honcho’s share ownership.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said in a statement on March 31 that the allegation, reported a day earlier, was untrue.

He said proceedings under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 had already been initiated following the tabling of the investigation report at a Cabinet meeting on March 11.

“These proceedings are subject to established processes and procedures, and further developments will be announced in due course,” he said. ‒  Focus Malaysia