Former MACC Chief Azam Baki Denies Involvement in RM178.29 Million Contract Linked to Brother
PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has dismissed suggestions that he was involved in or had knowledge of a government contract awarded to a company linked to his younger brother, saying the matter is entirely a business decision beyond his involvement.
Responding to reports concerning the award of a RM178.29 million contract, Azam stressed that he had no role in the procurement process and maintained that questions surrounding the project should be directed to the relevant ministry responsible for making the appointment.
Speaking when contacted on Tuesday, the former anti-graft chief said he had already retired from public service and was not involved in decisions relating to the awarding of government projects.
“That is his business matter. Does this mean that anyone associated with me should automatically be questioned?” Azam said.
He added that he was unaware of the details surrounding the contract and reiterated that it was up to the relevant ministry to determine which company should receive the project.
The comments came in response to a report by an English-language news portal alleging that Integriti Padu Sdn. Bhd., a company linked to Azam’s brother, Datuk Nasir Baki, had secured a six-year contract to develop and operate Malaysia’s Road Charge and Vehicle Entry Permit (RC/VEP) system at the Malaysia-Singapore border.
According to the report, the Ministry of Transport awarded the RM178.29 million contract to the company on May 26 following a request-for-proposal (RFP) process that began in June last year.
Azam, who officially retired as MACC chief commissioner on May 12, emphasised that members of his family should not become the subject of public scrutiny solely because of their relationship with him.
He argued that his relatives pursue their own professional careers independently and should not be judged based on familial connections.
To illustrate his point, Azam referred to one of his siblings, whom he described as a well-known ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist in Malaysia.
He questioned whether his sister should likewise become the subject of public attention simply because she is related to him.
The former MACC chief maintained that family relationships should not automatically give rise to assumptions regarding the professional activities or business dealings of individual family members.
The contract has drawn public attention because of its value and its role in supporting the Road Charge and Vehicle Entry Permit (RC/VEP) system, an initiative designed to facilitate cross-border vehicle administration between Malaysia and Singapore.
As discussions surrounding the project continue, Azam reiterated that he had no involvement in the procurement exercise and maintained that any questions regarding the contract award should be addressed through the appropriate government channels.
