A COALITION of 51 NGOs is calling for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), pressing the government to launch an independent probe into allegations of a “corporate mafia” network and possible links involving former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
In a memorandum submitted under the RCINOW secretariat, the group argued that only a full RCI can properly examine claims involving abuse of power and alleged corporate takeover activities, warning that internal investigations would not be sufficient given the risk of conflict of interest and institutional interference.
At the centre of their proposal is a call for former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat to head the commission, supported by a panel comprising retired senior judges, academics and civil society figures.
The group said such a structure is necessary to guarantee institutional independence and public confidence in the inquiry process.
The NGOs are seeking a wide-ranging investigation into allegations that Azam may have been personally linked to a network described as a “corporate mafia”, including purported connections to an individual identified as Andy Lim.
They also want scrutiny of claims that an internal MACC unit allegedly used intimidation tactics against business figures to facilitate forced corporate acquisitions.
Beyond the specific allegations, the memorandum pushes for broader structural reform of Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework.
Among the key proposals is a revamp of the appointment process for the MACC chief commissioner, including the introduction of clear eligibility criteria under the MACC Act 2009 and the formation of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSSC) to vet candidates before any formal appointment is made.
Under the proposed model, the PSSC would evaluate and shortlist candidates through a transparent process, submit its recommendation and justification to the Prime Minister, who would then forward the nominee to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for appointment.
The group also called for all parliamentary committee proceedings related to key appointments and institutional oversight to be conducted publicly, with transcripts and reports disclosed unless strictly restricted for confidentiality reasons.
In addition, the NGOs want the PSSC granted stronger powers to summon witnesses, conduct inquiries and recommend action against misconduct.
They further proposed placing the MACC under an Ombudsman framework to enable independent oversight of complaints involving internal misconduct and abuse of power, alongside strengthening Parliament’s supervisory role.
The memorandum also calls for reforms to the removal process of the MACC chief commissioner, arguing that such decisions should not rest solely with the Prime Minister without clear justification and due process. - June 30, 2026
