Anwar Ibrahim: Probe Findings on Azam Baki’s Shareholdings Due Within Days
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — The federal government is expected to receive the findings of a special investigation into the shareholdings of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki within days, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed in Parliament today.
Speaking during Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the inquiry, led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, is nearing completion and that the report is anticipated to be finalised this week.
“The investigation conducted by the Attorney General will be completed within a few days. We will examine the reasonableness and rationale, and determine whether there is a need to extend the scope of scrutiny,” he told Members of Parliament.
RCI Decision Still Premature
Addressing growing calls for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), Anwar stressed that it would be premature to make a definitive decision before reviewing the findings.
“I am neither accepting nor rejecting the proposal for an RCI at this stage. Let us follow due process. We must first receive the Attorney General’s report, which I have been informed will be ready within one or two days,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that should there be sufficient grounds to expand the investigation, further action would be considered accordingly.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, who sought clarity on the potential scope, legal authority and investigative framework of a possible RCI, particularly in relation to allegations involving so-called “corporate mafia” elements and claims that Azam was aware of their activities.
Ganabatirau also asked when such a commission might commence proceedings, should it be established.
Mounting Public Scrutiny
The issue has reignited public debate over governance standards and institutional accountability, with critics questioning the administration’s refusal thus far to place Azam on leave pending the outcome of investigations.
The controversy stems from reports that Azam’s personal shareholdings in publicly listed companies allegedly exceeded limits prescribed for civil servants. A recent investigative report by Bloomberg also alleged that senior officers within the MACC had colluded with certain businessmen in attempts to take control of targeted companies.
This marks the second time Azam has faced scrutiny over alleged share ownership irregularities, following a similar episode in 2022.
Both Azam and the MACC have firmly denied any misconduct.
Allegations of Inconsistency
The matter has also sparked accusations of inconsistency directed at Anwar, as political opponents have highlighted that he had previously called for Azam’s suspension during earlier investigations into shareholding issues.
Observers note that the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping public perception of the government’s commitment to transparency and institutional reform, particularly given the MACC’s central role in anti-corruption enforcement.
For now, the administration appears intent on awaiting the Attorney General’s conclusions before determining whether additional measures — including a possible Royal Commission of Inquiry — are warranted.
All eyes will be on Putrajaya as the long-awaited findings are tabled, potentially setting the tone for the next phase of Malaysia’s anti-corruption discourse.
-wilayah.com.my
