Kuala Lumpur: Following recent revelations that the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki, was found to hold 17.7 million shares in the listed financial services company Velocity Capital Partner Bhd and more than 4.52 million shares in Awanbiru Technology Berhad, Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead called on the Government to immediately suspend Azam Baki from his duties, pending a full, independent, and transparent investigation.
According to records from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, as of 13 January this year, Azam Baki held a 1.08% stake in Awanbiru Technology Berhad. Based on the share price of 30.5 sen at the time, the value of these holdings was approximately RM1.38 million.
Wong, who is also DAP Sarawak Assistant Organising Secretary and DAPSY Sarawak Deputy Chief, stressed that the scale of these shareholdings far exceeds the RM100,000 limit permitted for civil servants, raising serious questions over compliance with administrative regulations and the possible existence of conflicts of interest.
He also noted that this is not the first time Azam Baki has been linked to a similar controversy.
“In late 2021, Azam faced widespread public scrutiny over share ownership issues, which led to large-scale protests in early 2022. At the time, he claimed the shares were purchased by his brother using his trading account, and the relevant regulatory authority subsequently stated that no securities laws had been breached.
“Four years later, similar concerns have resurfaced. This is deeply regrettable. As the head of the nation’s anti-corruption agency, his integrity and credibility must withstand the highest level of scrutiny,” Wong said.
Wong emphasised that at a time when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim continues to champion anti-corruption reforms, any question involving potential conflicts of interest risks undermining the image of the MADANI Government and eroding public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption framework.
“This is not merely about an individual’s conduct. It concerns the credibility of the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption. If handled improperly, it will weaken public trust in ongoing reform and anti-corruption efforts,” he added.
Wong clarified that suspension pending investigation should not be viewed as a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary step to ensure the investigation is conducted fairly and independently, without jeopardising MACC operations or ongoing high-profile cases.
“If he is innocent, he can be reinstated once the investigation clears his name. However, remaining in office while serious questions remain unanswered will only further damage the reputation of the MACC and public trust in the institution,” he said.
Wong also voiced support for the formation of a special independent committee to conduct a comprehensive probe.
“During the investigation period, Azam Baki should be suspended, and his asset declarations and shareholdings should be made public to dispel doubts and safeguard the integrity of the anti-corruption agency.
“Protecting the credibility of our institutions is more important than protecting any individual. The fight against corruption must proceed without shadow or doubt. The people’s trust must not be compromised,” he said.
