MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki rejects calls to take leave during investigation into share ownership claims

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) has rejected calls for him to go on leave while under investigation over share ownership allegations.

Responding to demands from several Members of Parliament that he take time off, Azam dismissed the suggestion as unnecessary.

“That’s up to them. I don’t need to take leave,” he told reporters in Dengkil today, reiterating his willingness to cooperate with the special committee established by the government to investigate the matter.

“I’m ready at any time, and if called, I will submit all relevant documents. I have nothing to hide,” he stated.

The Attorney General, Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Moktar, who heads the Special Investigation Committee looking into Azam’s alleged share ownership, announced yesterday that the probe has commenced.

“The investigation has already begun. As a preliminary step, we are gathering information related to the case,” he said.

The committee also includes Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.

The panel will conduct a detailed investigation to provide fair judgment to the party under probe. The findings and recommendations will be presented to the Prime Minister and the Disciplinary Authority for further consideration through proper procedures.

Earlier, international news outlet Bloomberg reported that Azam owned shares in a financial services company, based on corporate filings with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

However, the MACC chief clarified at a recent press conference that his RM800,000 share ownership in a financial services firm was conducted transparently and according to proper procedures.

Azam reportedly stated that nothing was concealed and everything had been fully declared. He added that the shares, which were purchased last year, had already been disposed of within the same year.

 The Sun Malaysia