Topic: MACC Independence, Political Corruption & Conflict of Interest, Good Governance & Anti-Corruption
Related news: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/01/05/only-independent-probe-can-clear-azam-says-anti-graft-watchdog/
Coverage by: Free Malaysia Today
An anti-corruption watchdog has rejected the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board’s (ACAB) move to clear top graft-buster Azam Baki of any wrongdoing over his ownership of corporate shares.
Earlier today, ACAB chairman Abu Zahar Ujang said it was satisfied with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner’s explanation that his share account was used by his brother to purchase shares.
Abu Zahar said ACAB found no conflict of interest and that Azam did not have any pecuniary interest in the purchase of the shares, which was made in the open market in 2015 and transferred to his brother’s account the same year.
However, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said the ACAB’s inquiry did not amount to an independent probe to ascertain “the truth and details”.
“Only an independent probe will suffice to clear his (Azam) name and restore the integrity of MACC,” C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel told FMT.
She urged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to convene a special independent probe without delay.
Cynthia said some questions remained “unanswered”, including why Azam’s name continued to appear as the owner of millions of shares in Gets Global Bhd and Excel Force MSC Bhd in 2016.
She also claimed Azam may be in breach of the Public Officers Regulations Act (Conduct and Discipline) 1993 by virtue of his ownership of the shares, and questioned why no disciplinary action had been taken against him.
She said Azam may also be in breach of Section 25 (4) of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991 (SICDA), which provides that any securities account opened must be in the name of the beneficial owner.
