[UPDATED] Abu Zahar dares Gomez to prove misconduct emails claim

PUTRAJAYA – Despite evidence to the contrary, Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR) chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang has doubled down that he did not receive any documentary proof alleging impropriety involving the anti-graft body’s top guns. 

Abu Zahar said no emails pertaining to claims of misconduct, supposedly sent by former Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel (PPPR) member Prof Edmund Terence Gomez, had reached him. 

Both PPPR and LPPR are independent oversight bodies under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). 

The Vibes had, on Sunday, published the email trails between Gomez, the LPPR secretariat and PPPR chairman Tan Sri Borhan Dolah that took place last November. 

In a tell-all press conference today, Abu Zahar challenged Gomez to provide evidence he had indeed sent those emails detailing the impropriety. 

“Please, come over and show me whatever it is. I have explained, and I then got an officer to confirm. We have not been shown (those emails).

If I had received them, I would not deny it. Why should I deny? If I did not receive them, why would I say I did?”

Abu Zahar was asked to comment on Gomez’s insistence that the emails, which highlighted misconduct by MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, among others, had been delivered to the advisory board’s administration.

This is after Abu Zahar previously denied receiving them. 

Earlier in his press conference, he also revealed that the board he chairs had conducted a meeting with Azam on November 24 to seek explanation on the allegations that have since plagued the anti-graft body. 

Following the meeting, he said LPPR was satisfied by the explanation given by Azam and found no criminal elements involving him or conflict of interest. 

According to Abu Zahar, Azam had explained that the millions of ringgit of shares of a public listed company supposedly bought by him was actually done by his brother, Nasir Baki, under his name.

However, Abu Zahar said Azam had no vested interest in the shares and does not own any of them. 

“The shares were also bought in an open market, meaning that it did not breach any law. The shares were later transferred to Nasir.

We are satisfied by Azam’s explanation. But if there is any new evidence, we will consider investigating.”

Abu Zahar also took a swipe at Gomez, saying he should have gone through the proper channel to vent his concern and dissatisfactions, rather than going public. 

He said following Gomez’s public revelation of the issue, LPPR had invited the latter for a discussion to fully understand the matter at hand, which he declined. 

“I’m always open to discussion. I won’t compromise or protect anyone who commits wrongdoings, including MACC officers, regardless of their ranks. 

“I also believe all complaints must be accompanied by hard proof and witnesses that can be trusted. In fact, Gomez could also have lodged a police report if he didn’t trust the MACC panel.”

Meanwhile, Abu Zahar said the contents of discussion from LPPR’s meeting with Azam last November last year will be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for the latter to consider any further action. 

On calls for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to be set up to probe the matter, Abu Zahar said he sees no necessity for this, as the matter can be “settled” through other means. 

“Let’s be reasonable. This matter is a simple matter. One party is saying this, and another is saying that... It is up to the public to evaluate.”

Asked why he did not provide a public explanation on LPPR’s meeting with Azam earlier, Abu Zahar said: “We wanted to issue a statement but unfortunately, Gomez raised the issue earlier and it went viral.” – The Vibes, January 5, 2022