KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR) is in no position to absolve chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki from alleged conflicts of interest, as such functions are outside its jurisdiction, said DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.
The Iskandar Puteri MP equates yesterday’s “absolution” to the board acting ultra vires, a legal term meaning to “act beyond the powers given”, suggesting its vindication of Azam being invalid.
“Section 13 of the MACC Act 2009 stipulates six functions of MACC’s LPPR and none of them gives it power to clear the MACC chief commissioner of conflict-of-interest allegations,” Lim said in a statement today.
He detailed how the six functions include the LPPR being entrusted to advise MACC on any aspect of corruption problems here, and on policies and strategies that can be implemented towards combating corruption.
LPPR is also expected to receive, scrutinise, and endorse proposals from the MACC towards ensuring efficient operations within the commission, and concerning required resources needed to achieve their objectives.
The board is also supposed to scrutinise MACC’s annual reports before they are submitted to the Special Committee on Corruption, where LPPR is then expected to provide independent feedback.
Lim today also called for Azam to go on leave while thorough investigations are conducted by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department into the matter.
He added how Azam was also incorrect when he said his actions are only answerable to the LPPR.
“Azam is wrong when he claimed that he was answerable only to MACC’s LPPR as he is finally answerable to the people of Malaysia through Parliament and other intermediaries for his integrity and performance.
“It is sad to see the MACC going through its worst crisis of confidence today, even worse than during the 1MDB times when Malaysia turned into a kleptocracy.”
Yesterday, LPPR chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang during a tell-all press conference asserted how the board conducted a meeting with Azam on November 24 to seek explanation on the allegations that have since plagued the anti-graft body.
Abu Zahar had said LPPR was satisfied by the explanation given by Azam and found no criminal elements involving him, or conflict of interest.
Azam meanwhile insisted that he, as the chief commissioner is only answerable to the LPPR.
He also claimed the allegations of conflict of interest brought against him were created by certain parties looking to take advantage and attack the MACC to ruin the commission’s image, and his personal reputation. – The Vibes, January 6, 2022
