KUALA LUMPUR – Following the controversy over his stock ownership, embattled Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said he is being made a target as part of an agenda to undermine the anti-graft body.
Azam, in an interview with The Star published today, said he was told there will be more “attacks” coming his way and it is the cost he has to bear as the top graft-buster.
In his 37 years of serving the country as a law enforcement officer, he believes that he had made enemies from arresting and prosecuting many people – politicians, government officers and syndicate members, among others.
“I expect there are people who are angry with me and want to settle some scores.
“And I was told there will be more attacks against me. This is the cost I have to bear as the head of an anti-corruption authority,” he told the English daily.
He said the scandal pertaining to his share ownership was heavily politicised and many had passed their judgement before any investigation was conducted.
When the Securities Commission (SC) made known the findings of its inquiry and cleared him of legal violations, there were those who refused to accept the decision, he said.
“I believe there is an agenda, a well-designed and well-planned attack, to undermine the MACC and it was done by making me the target.
“They want to paint a picture that says if the chief commissioner is corrupt, this country’s administration has no control, is weak and there is no one that the people can depend on.”
Only an invite to appear before PSC, not a subpoena
Commenting on why he did not show up for the parliamentary select committee special meeting, he said it was merely an invitation for him to attend.
He said if he had been subpoenaed, he would have attended the meeting because as an enforcement officer, he knows the law and would respect it.
“It is not that I refused to attend but I merely pointed out to the Parliament secretary that under Procedure 83 (4) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order, the deliberations of a select committee shall be confined to matters referred to it by the House.
“If there is a referral from the House, I would have certainly attended the meeting. I believe they understood my point and that was why the meeting was postponed.”
No need for garden leave
On why he did not go on garden leave while being investigated, he said the matter was handled by another authority and there is no issue that his presence in the MACC office would interfere with the investigation.
“I would have gone on leave if I was being investigated by my own agency for committing a crime. If that was the case, I would have to take leave to allow my deputy to carry out an investigation against me.
“I should not be at work as my presence may interfere with the probe,” he said. – The Vibes, February 13, 2022
