Unprofessional, strange: Perlis mufti slams MACC public support for chief

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) leadership needs to be reviewed and reshuffled after publicly supporting its embattled chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, better known as Dr Maza, said the anti-graft body’s support is premature, as investigations into Azam’s alleged impropriety have yet to be completed.

How could they draw a conclusion that their boss is a political victim when investigations are not done, and when his (Azam’s) previous denial did not make sense?” Asri said in a statement.

“They (MACC) should be stern in protecting MACC’s dignity, and to seek a just and transparent investigation.”

He said MACC has spoken “unprofessionally” and “strangely” on the issue, although battling graft is the agency’s main function.

“Their boss’ statement that his account was used by his brother was clearly very odd and weird. MACC should be the most sensitive party.”

It also did not escape the mufti’s notice, as he chided views put forward by some Islamist leaders.

He called for Malaysians, particularly Muslims, to rise and fight against corruption as it is a religious duty, and slammed Islamists over their preoccupation with personal moral sins.

Drinking alcohol, for example, is illegal and wrong. However, in many cases, it is between the individual and his god, and he can seek forgiveness from God. Yet corruption is a sin that destroys the country, brings injustice and oppression to others.

“If this country fails to address graft, it means we are at a very serious level of corruption.”

Earlier, some leaders from PAS issued opposing views, with its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan commending Azam for clearing the air about the alleged conflicts of interest brought against him, saying it was the right thing to do to maintain the perception and integrity of MACC.

However, PAS youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, in a statement, called for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to initiate investigations into the case, saying the incident can threaten the credibility of the government and the people’s perception towards their commitment towards combating corruption and upholding integrity.

Azam has come under heavy fire since details of his purchase of millions of ringgit of shares in two public listed companies were made public.

He had on Wednesday said the share purchase was done by his brother, Datuk Nasir Baki, using his share-trading account, and that all the shares have since been transferred to Nasir.

Azam added that the allegations were made against him by certain interested parties who wanted to use him to attack MACC and ruin the commission’s image and his personal reputation.

In a memorandum of support issued this morning, the anti-graft body said the commission is united in defending the institution and its chief for the sake of its continued fight against corruption and called for an immediate end to the ongoing imbroglio.

The statement was jointly signed by MACC’s three deputy chief commissioners – Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya (operations), Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali (prevention), and Datuk Junipah Wandi (management and professionalism). – The Vibes, January 9, 2022