[UPDATED] I don’t answer to anyone but MACC’s advisory board: Azam Baki

PUTRAJAYA – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he did not come forward earlier to respond to recent allegations as he is only answerable to the anti-graft body’s advisory board.

In a press conference at MACC’s headquarters today, Azam, who is under fire, said he saw no need to come clean on the matter as he did not commit any crimes nor was he involved in any conflicts of interest.

“There is no need for me to explain to anyone. As I have elaborated the matter to the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR), my brother borrowed my (trading) account to buy shares.

“However, when LPPR sought an explanation on the matter, I gave a detailed account to them. As the chief commissioner, I am not answerable to anyone but LPPR.”

He was asked why it took him so long to speak out on the allegations of conflict of interest after it was revealed that he had supposedly purchased millions of ringgits of public shares.

Various quarters have demanded an explanation from MACC, and called on the government to initiate an independent probe into the commission over the allegations.

Azam’s press conference today is the first time he has publicly addressed the allegations that implicated him.

Earlier, Azam had said that his brother, Nasir Baki, used his share-trading account to purchase shares in a private company in 2015, but maintained that he had no vested interest or benefit.

He went on to explain that all the shares were eventually moved to Nasir’s account, and insisted that he saw no issue with allowing his brother to initially use his.

According to Azam, the allegations made against him were created by certain interested parties who wanted to take advantage of him to attack MACC and ruin the commission's image and his personal reputation.

He added that the MACC has identified the “masterminds” involved in defaming him and the body and the motive behind their actions, and now take the matter to court.

“The allegations that I have control over a number of companies are total lies, to create a negative perception towards me, to hurt my image as the chief commissioner. 

“I deny these allegations vehemently. As such, after being advised by my lawyers, I have decided to take legal actions against those who have tarnished my reputation.” 

Asked why anyone would want to take him and MACC down, Azam said: “I’m not sure, but from what I can read, they are out to tarnish my reputation.” 

Whether he would reveal the names of the individuals said to be behind the allegations, Azam said this will become public knowledge in due time.

Prof Edmund Terence Gomez in his resignation as Consultation and Corruption Panel (PPPR) member claimed that there was a failure to discuss accusations of conflict of interest against some of its leaders.

In his resignation letter to PPPR chairman Tan Sri Borhan Dolah, Gomez raised his concern that there was a “nexus between business and law enforcement” and a “conflict of interest” allegedly involving members of its top leadership. – The Vibes, January 5, 2022