THE escalating debate over the shareholdings of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki has brought to the fore a tension between public demands for accountability and the principles of due process that underpin the rule of law.
While some lawmakers advocate a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), others stress that calls for such action must be firmly grounded in credible evidence rather than speculation or political pressure.
In the Dewan Rakyat, Khoo Poay Tiong, Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka, pressed for decisive measures, including the resignation of Azam and the formation of an RCI, reflecting a perception that the issue, if left unaddressed, could become a political liability.
Cross-party support for an RCI was further echoed by Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim, MP for Pendang representing Perikatan Nasional, signalling that concerns over institutional integrity are not confined to partisan lines.
However, the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, declined a motion to debate the matter, citing the establishment of a special investigative committee.
Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Tan Sri Azri Abu Bakar confirmed that Azam had been summoned to provide his explanation on 19 February, underlining that formal investigative processes are already in progress.
Adding a note of caution, Kamil Munim, political secretary to the Finance Minister, stressed that any RCI must rest on solid, verifiable evidence and not on hearsay.
“I respect any proposal to set up a RCI and agree, in principle, that the truth must be determined through a transparent process grounded in the law. In a country that upholds the rule of law, any action must be grounded in established facts and credible evidence,” he said on 24 February.
Kamil drew parallels with previous controversies, such as calls regarding the Chief Justice’s appointment, which ultimately proved unfounded, warning against pre-emptive political manoeuvring that circumvents due process.
He added that existing investigative mechanisms, including inquiries and special committees, are mandated and equipped to fully collect and assess evidence.
“The inquiry was initiated promptly after Bloomberg’s report, demonstrating the government’s readiness to investigate openly and responsibly.
“Our primary aim is to ensure justice is based on facts, not perception or political pressure. If the evidence later indicates an RCI is needed, it will be pursued transparently, responsibly, and with integrity,” Kamil said.
The special investigation committee currently overseeing the matter is chaired by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, reinforcing the formal channels in place to scrutinise the allegations thoroughly before any decision on a Royal Commission is considered. - February 25, 2026
