A ROYAL Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations involving the shareholding of former Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, as well as allegations of a 'corporate mafia' within the agency, cannot be established until the authorities complete investigations.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said investigations by the authorities are underway to examine all allegations.
“Therefore, the investigation process must be given space to be conducted independently, transparently and comprehensively in accordance with the law and established procedures.
“The government is also confident that any follow-up action must be guided by the results of the investigation to ensure that every decision taken is based on facts, justice and the principles of the rule of law,” she said.
She said this in a written reply in Parliament to a question by Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) on why the RCI was not established on Azam Baki’s shareholding, which exceeded the limit that can be owned by civil servants and the allegations of the existence of a corporate mafia in the MACC.
Azalina said the establishment of the RCI was subject to the provisions of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 (Act 119) and had to go through several processes, including the preparation of a Cabinet Memorandum before obtaining Cabinet approval.
“After obtaining Cabinet approval, the Prime Minister will submit the proposal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for approval.
“If approved, the establishment of the RCI will involve the determination of terms of reference, membership and investigation period, which will be finalised through gazettement in the Federal Government Gazette before the commission commences,” she said.
She said the government is always open to considering the establishment of the RCI or any other appropriate mechanism if it is found necessary in the public interest.
“In this regard, any consideration regarding the proposed establishment of the RCI to investigate the issue of corporate mafia and related matters will be made based on the process and procedures provided under the law, taking into account the facts, findings and current developments in the results of the investigation being conducted by the authorities.
“This approach is important to ensure that every decision made is based on the principles of the rule of law, the integrity of the investigation process and the public interest,” she added. – July 8, 2026
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