KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government will form a special committee to investigate allegations against the country’s anti-corruption chief, the communications minister said on Friday (Feb 13), following a media report alleging a breach of shareholding laws.
The task force will be led by the country’s Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said during his weekly press conference.
Earlier this week, Bloomberg cited a corporate filing from last year as saying that Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki held 17.7 million shares in a financial services company that were currently worth about RM800,000 (US$205,000), well above the RM100,000 limit allowed for public servants.
Bloomberg in a later report on Thursday said that MACC officials were also helping a group of businessmen to seize control over companies, citing internal documents and interviews with witnesses. Reuters has not independently verified the report.
“After the investigation is completed, it will be reported back to the Cabinet for any follow-up action. This is an effort to ensure the aspects of transparency and integrity of the investigation process,” Fahmi said.
Fahmi did not specify which allegations would be investigated.
Azam said earlier on Friday that he was willing to be investigated by a government committee amid calls for him to step down, adding that he had “nothing to hide” as all his financial and asset declarations have been made according to public service laws.
“I am confident that the truth will prevail through a fair and independent process,” he said in a statement.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-azam-baki-corruption-shareholder-bloomberg-5928886
