Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki has said he is open to being investigated by any committee set up by the government to look into his shareholdings.
In a statement today, he reiterated that his financial and asset declarations were submitted in line with public service regulations through the proper official channels.
“I have nothing to hide,” he said.
Stresses evidence-based scrutiny
Azam welcomed any transparent, independent and objective process to determine the facts based on evidence, guided by principles of justice and the rule of law.
Such examination, he said, was vital not only for his personal integrity but also to strengthen public confidence in MACC as an institution.
“Indeed, I wish to stress that as a civil servant and the head of an enforcement agency, I believe that anyone facing allegations should be open and willing to be investigated independently and transparently,” he added.
“This principle should apply to everyone without exception. Accountability cannot be selective or seasonal.”
He noted that while no one is above the law, no one should be judged purely on media perceptions.
Details of Bloomberg report
Bloomberg previously reported that Azam held 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Bhd, equivalent to 1.7%, according to the company’s annual return filed on February 3 last year.
His name also appeared in the shareholder register maintained by the Companies Commission of Malaysia.
The report suggested a possible breach of a 2024 government circular that limits civil servants’ shareholdings in Malaysian companies to no more than 5% of paid-up capital or RM100,000 in value, whichever is lower.
Shares disposed, lawsuit filed
Azam clarified that the transaction had been declared and the shares were disposed of last year.
He has also initiated a RM100 million lawsuit against Bloomberg over the publication.
Several parties, including the head of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, have called for Azam’s resignation and a comprehensive review of MACC’s practices.
A protest demanding his resignation is planned for this Sunday in front of the Sogo department store in Kuala Lumpur.
