THE concerns about Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki were raised by Sg Buloh MP R. Sivarasa last month.
The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR) said it sought and was satisfied with Azam’s explanation.
The Securities Commission (SC) thereafter in a statement said it would be in touch with Azam for an explanation, citing certain provisions in the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991.
The prime minister as the minister in charge of the MACC must now state:
1. Whether he was aware of the probe the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board held with respect to the allegations against Azam?
2. Whether LPPR had the power to conduct that probe and if so, under which provisions of law did it act and how was the probe conducted?
3. Whether LPPR received advice from any independent body such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers in conducting the probe and dealing with it and if not, why not?
4. As the explanation involved certain accounts, were the views of the SC not sought before a decision was made by the board on the matter?
5. Given that Tan Sri Azam is the chief of MACC, would it not be more prudent for any probe to be conducted by an independent body instead of the Board?
The prime minister cannot and must not be silent. It is quite obvious that the matter has been discussed extensively in public now. It does not augur well for the MACC that the SC has now asked for details about the matter after the probe was completed by the LPPR.
I call upon the prime minister, as the minister responsible for the MACC, to inspire confidence and speak up over the matter forthwith. He must demonstrate that he is committed to defending the integrity of the MACC by speaking up on the matter. – The Vibes, January 7, 2022
Gobind Singh Deo is Puchong MP