C4 Center and Bersih Call for Transparency and Institutional Reform Over Azam Baki Investigation
PETALING JAYA: The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) and the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) have urged the government to improve transparency surrounding investigations involving former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, while proposing a series of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework.
In a joint statement, the two organisations outlined four recommendations, including an immediate call for the findings of investigations involving Azam to be released to the public. They said disclosure of the investigation outcomes would enable greater public scrutiny and reinforce transparency in matters involving national institutions.
The statement was issued following Azam’s participation in a meeting of the National Centre for Financial Crime Prevention (NFCC) Advisory Board. According to C4 Center and Bersih, his continued involvement in a high-level advisory body has generated public concern because several allegations previously associated with him have yet to be publicly resolved.
The organisations said making the investigation findings available would help address questions surrounding the matter while enhancing confidence in institutional accountability.
In addition, C4 Center and Bersih proposed that the government advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) under the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950. They suggested the commission be chaired by a former member of the judiciary to examine allegations relating to corporate mafia claims, Azam’s alleged involvement in those matters and issues concerning share ownership that have previously attracted public attention.
The two organisations also renewed calls for reforms to the appointment process of the MACC Chief Commissioner. They proposed that future appointments be placed under the authority of a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) instead of the Executive, with clearly defined selection criteria and removal procedures comparable to those applied to Federal Court judges.
As part of wider governance reforms, they further recommended placing the MACC under parliamentary oversight through a PSSC empowered to conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, obtain relevant documents and recommend appropriate action where misconduct is identified.
C4 Center and Bersih argued that strengthening parliamentary oversight would improve institutional accountability while reinforcing public trust in Malaysia’s anti-corruption architecture.
The organisations also questioned the explanation previously provided by the Prime Minister’s Department that Azam had been serving as a member of the NFCC Advisory Board since 2024, saying the clarification did not address broader concerns over his continued role while investigations remained unresolved.
They additionally highlighted what they described as a potential conflict of interest involving Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, noting that he serves both on the NFCC Advisory Board alongside Azam and heads the committee responsible for investigating matters involving the former MACC chief commissioner. According to the organisations, the overlapping responsibilities could create public perceptions regarding the independence and effectiveness of the investigation process.
The latest statement comes after Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin previously questioned the rationale behind Azam’s appointment to the NFCC Advisory Board, citing allegations that have been raised publicly in recent years.
C4 Center and Bersih said their proposals are intended to strengthen institutional integrity, enhance transparency and reinforce public confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption governance framework through greater accountability and independent oversight.
