Transparency International Malaysia calls for an independent probe into allegations involving the MACC chief following Bloomberg reports.
KUALA LUMPUR: Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has called for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) or an independent, time-bound investigation into recent allegations involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The call follows reports published by Bloomberg on Feb 10 and 12 concerning Azam’s reported shareholdings, as reflected in corporate filings, as well as subsequent allegations relating to MACC’s investigative powers in corporate control disputes.
The anti-graft organisation said the developments have sparked significant public concern, stressing that as Malaysia’s premier anti-corruption institution, MACC must not only be independent but must also be seen to be independent.
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“Public confidence in MACC’s impartiality is critical to Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework.
“When serious allegations arise — whether involving potential conflicts of interest or alleged misuse of investigative authority — they must be addressed transparently and credibly to preserve institutional legitimacy,” TI-M said in a statement today.
While MACC has publicly stated that Azam complied with asset declaration requirements through official channels, including declarations via the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) to the Public Service Department (JPA), TI-M said safeguards against conflicts of interest for senior public officials must be robust, clearly explained and independently verifiable.
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The organisation also underscored that the rule of law and the presumption of innocence must prevail, adding that allegations reported in the media do not constitute findings of guilt, and that any determination of wrongdoing must be made through lawful and independent processes.
“Given the public interest involved, TI-M calls for an independent, time-bound investigation, with a clear public explanation sufficient to reconcile corporate filings, applicable governance rules and compliance assessments, while respecting privacy and due process.
“Such clarification is necessary to protect both the officeholder concerned and the credibility of Malaysia’s anti-corruption system,” it said.
TI-M further urged the establishment of an independent mechanism — either through an RCI or a special taskforce — to review governance and oversight structures, particularly in matters involving listed companies and market-sensitive investigations, with findings made public.
“Malaysia’s fight against corruption depends not only on enforcement, but also on public trust. When questions arise, the appropriate response is not defensiveness or politicisation, but independent verification, transparency and institutional reform.
“TI-M does not speculate on hearsay nor endorse media findings. However, we are firm that credibility must be protected through lawful, independent and transparent mechanisms.
“Only through principled action can Malaysia strengthen confidence in its anti-corruption institutions and continue advancing governance reforms.”
Reports by Bloomberg this week sent shockwaves through Malaysia after alleging that Azam held 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Bhd, representing a 1.7% stake, based on the company’s annual return filed on Feb 3 last year.
Azam has been accused of breaching a 2024 government circular that limits civil servants’ shareholdings in Malaysian-incorporated companies to no more than 5% of paid-up capital or RM100,000 in value, whichever is lower.
Azam has maintained that the shares were properly declared through official channels and were subsequently disposed of last year. He has also filed a RM100 million defamation suit against Bloomberg over the allegations.
The Sun Malaysia
