SOURCES have dismissed allegations in a report which claims the prime minister had urged officials to avoid immediately releasing a report on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki's shareholdings to the public.
Sources familiar with the matter stressed that it was Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself who called for a special committee to be established to investigate claims that the MACC chief held a significant stake in a financial services company based on corporate filings.
"If at all, the claims that Anwar requested that a report by the government committee which investigated Azam's shareholdings, and presented to the Cabinet last month, not be made public are true, there are sound reasons for it.
"The reason is that the prime minister wants the entire investigation into this and other matters related to the MACC to be completed. He feels bits and pieces of information can only cause confusion and impact confidence in our financial market. This includes the so-called 'corporate mafia'," said the sources.
"We are already facing significant threats from the continuing conflict in the Middle East. He is focused on ensuring the rakyat and their economic security are protected as a priority."
Bloomberg had earlier reported that Anwar was concerned that making the shareholding report public would undermine perceptions of his government ahead of a possible general election that could come as early as this year, they said.
“It is not about the general election, but about national perception. The prime minister does not want to make public a half-completed report at a critical time like this.
Another source within the inner circle said, "We are facing a global crisis with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the last thing Anwar wants is to jeopardise investor confidence in the country.”
The Special Investigation Committee is chaired by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. Its members include Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
“There is nothing to hide, and once all corners are covered, rest assured that the report will be made public as promised,” added the sources.
According to the Bloomberg report, Azam, whose tenure at MACC is unlikely to be extended amid pressure for his immediate dismissal, is now seeking appointment as a senator, a position that would require Anwar to recommend him to the Agong.
Azam, whose tenure has been extended three times by Anwar, is facing public scrutiny over the reports that he owned significant shares in two companies, exceeding what the civil service allowed. – March 30, 2026
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