WE would like to congratulate the Securities Commission (SC) on its swift action in announcing a full investigation into the admission by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki that his share account was used to buy shares for his brother Nasir Baki.
It is refreshing to know not all government-related organisations have been compromised, and will act without fear or favour.
The willingness of the SC to conduct a full-blown investigation shows the commission does not buy Azam’s weak excuse of claiming he did not know whether buying and holding shares for his brother was an offence.
We urge the MACC advisory panel and other oversight mechanisms to take a leaf from the SC’s books and further investigate Azam’s alleged shareholdings, not brush it under the carpet.
Azam’s explanation this week that the money came from his brother lacks credibility as we have explained in our statement yesterday. In our view, he has also clearly breached section 25(4) the Securities Industry (Central Depository) Act 1991. However, we leave that to the SC to decide.
If found guilty, Azam will face a fine of up to RM3 million, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both. Azam should immediately take leave from his high-profile position to facilitate further investigations and be transparent on the matter.
He should not be going after whistle-blowers who exposed these facts with court action. This is clearly harassment against those speaking up against his alleged wrongdoings. Let the relevant enforcement agencies such as the SC and police perform their investigations and clear him if there is indeed no offence.
If the anti-corruption chief himself is involved with alleged corruption of the highest level, where are the integrity and standards of Malaysian institutions?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should break his silence on this matter and exercise his powers to restore credibility to the MACC by ordering Azam to go on leave while a truly independent investigation is done.
As a country that upholds the rule of law, this action is necessary to ensure all legal processes are respected by all parties, regardless of their position. This will also help restore public and foreign investor confidence in the transparency and fairness of the country’s legal system. – The Vibes, January 7, 2022
Signed by:
1. Sivarasa Rasiah – Sg Buloh
2. Maria Chin Abdullah – Petaling Jaya
3. Maszlee Malik – Simpang Renggam
4. Teresa Kok – Seputeh
5. Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir – Jerlun
6. Kasthuri Patto – Batu Kawan
7. Hassan Abdul Karim – Pasir Gudang
8. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh – Ledang
9. Sim Tze Tzin – Bayan Baru
10. Fahmi Fadzil – Lembah Pantai
11. Hassan Abdul Karim – Pasir Gudang
12. Akmal Nasir – Johor Baru
13. Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub – Pulai
14. Amin Ahmad – Kangar
15. Muhamad Bakhtiar Wan Chik – Balik Pulau
16. Cha Kee Chin – Rasah
17. June Leow – Hulu Selangor
18. Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham – Beruas
19. Thomas Su Keong Siong — Kampar
20. Mahfuz Omar — Pokok Sena
21. Mujahid Yusof Rawa — Parit Buntar
