Anthony Loke says govt response inadequate, calls for inquiry to restore public confidence in MACC

PETALING JAYA: DAP will push for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations of a “corporate mafia” within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), saying the government’s response to the controversy so far has been inadequate.

DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Malaysiakini in an interview that he would raise the proposal again at the upcoming Cabinet meeting this Friday, arguing that the gravity of the claims warrants a more powerful and independent mechanism than the special task force already announced.

Loke said the Cabinet had previously agreed to set up a task force to investigate MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki over the controversy surrounding his share ownership.

However, he stressed that the allegations now go beyond the issue of shareholdings.

“There are two separate matters. The share ownership issue is being looked into by the special task force.

“But the allegation of a ‘corporate mafia’ is far more serious because it concerns the MACC as an institution,” he said.

According to Loke, the task force does not have sufficient powers to thoroughly investigate claims that allegedly involve collusion within a unit of the anti-graft agency.

He said DAP had already raised the RCI proposal at the previous Cabinet meeting and would continue pressing for it, maintaining that only an inquiry with full investigative powers and public accountability could restore confidence.

“If the government’s response were sufficient, I would not need to speak out publicly.

‘Frankly, I feel the response so far does not meet public expectations,” he said.

Loke said the seriousness of the allegations, particularly given international media coverage, meant the government could not afford to take a defensive stance.

“This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. Similar matters were raised years ago, even in Parliament.

“But this is the first time an international media organisation of this stature has reported on it,” he said.

He added that leaving the issue unresolved would place the MACC under a prolonged cloud of suspicion, ultimately undermining the credibility of the anti-corruption body.

On the question of leadership, Loke reiterated DAP’s position that the MACC chief commissioner should be replaced by a new appointee who commands stronger public confidence and is free from controversy.

Meanwhile, Kota Melaka MP and Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong said in Parliament earlier, during the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report, that Azam must resign, warning that failure to do so could cost the government in the next general election.

He called for an RCI to investigate the two Bloomberg reports concerning Azam’s share ownership and the alleged corporate mafia within the agency.

“I call on the government to take firm action – Azam Baki must step down. He has to go. Either he goes or we go.

“That is my message. If we allow him to continue holding office, voters will punish us in the next general election. Let our tenure as the government not end in the next election,” Khoo said.

He added that while a special task force has been formed to investigate the share ownership issue, no clear action has been taken regarding the alleged corporate collusion.

Earlier, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli urged government members, particularly DAP MPs, to take a clear stand on the Azam Baki issue without delay.

He said the party should not wait until June to take a position, warning that remaining silent could have electoral consequences.

Rafizi claimed that the Prime Minister is closely monitoring DAP’s stance, suggesting that if the party speaks up, it could influence the government’s decisions.

 The Sun Malaysia