Give Space to the Special Committee to Investigate the Azam Baki Problem – PM Anwar

Give Space to the Special Committee to Investigate the Azam Baki Problem – PM Anwar

SHAH ALAM, February 13 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that investigations into allegations and related matters relating to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki will be carried out in a transparent and open manner without protecting any individual.

He said that the special committee that was formed must be given space to study it thoroughly before taking action.

“Now let’s study it first, the case needs to be known first, if it is serious, if there is a basis then we (take action). Don’t do it because we are victims or are under pressure, continue to use this opportunity to put pressure. You can’t, let it be studied first,” said Anwar when met after performing Friday prayers with members of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic, here today.

He answered questions regarding the appropriateness of Azam’s removal from his position.

Meanwhile, Anwar advised MACC members to remain brave and firm in carrying out their responsibility to eradicate the symptoms of corruption in the country.

The Prime Minister said that any problems that occur should not interfere with the MACC’s overall role because firm action against integrity violations will usually cause reactions from the parties involved.

He said the pressure for efforts to eradicate corruption in this country is still low, both in Parliament, outside Parliament or among politicians and several non-governmental organizations, and even important cases also receive little support.

Regarding this, Anwar said MACC must continue to carry out its duties with courage and determination without caring about outside opinions in order to save the country from symptoms of corruption.

Previously, MADANI government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reportedly said the government had formed a special committee to investigate all allegations and matters related to Azam.

Fahmi, who is also Minister of Transportation, said this was decided at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Anwar.

Bloomberg in an earlier report claimed Azam had shares in financial services companies based on company filings.

However, in a recent press conference, Azam emphasized that his share ownership worth RM800,000 in the financial services company was carried out transparently and according to procedures.