PKR MPs want Parliament to probe allegation implicating MACC chief
Parliament, via its select committee, should conduct an independent investigation into MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki's alleged ownership of close to two million shares in a public listed company, PKR lawmakers said today.
They said the august House should take up the role after economist Edmund Terence Gomez resigned from the MACC's Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel after the panel failed to discuss reports implicating Azam.
"We are of the view that Parliament should...
Parliament, via its select committee, should conduct an independent investigation into MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki's alleged ownership of close to two million shares in a public listed company, PKR lawmakers said today.
They said the august House should take up the role after economist Edmund Terence Gomez resigned from the MACC's Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel after the panel failed to discuss reports implicating Azam.
"We are of the view that Parliament should step in," six PKR parliamentarians said in a joint statement today.
They are R Sivarasa (Sungai Buloh), Maria Chin Abdullah (Petaling Jaya), Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru), Hassan Abdul Karim (Pasir Gudang), Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai) and Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang).
"We propose that, as part of the government’s commitment to the Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals on peace, justice and strong institutions, a multi-partisan, independent investigation team using a select committee be initiated immediately to investigate the allegations," they said.
"(The select committee will) seek full disclosure of all assets held by Azam, including those of his spouse, children and relatives; seek full disclosure of all assets held by any other former and current commissioners of MACC."
Azam should take leave of absence
The select committee will also recommend that Azam takes a leave of absence to facilitate investigation by the authorities, they said, adding that immediate actions should be taken to clear the good name of the MACC.
"(Apart from that, the select committee will also) recommend laws, policies, standard operating procedures and check and balance procedures to strengthen the MACC," they said.
The PKR MPs also called for the police to initiate their own investigation even if the MACC's oversight panels continue to conduct their investigations.
On Dec 27, Gomez tendered his resignation from the panel, claiming its chairperson Borhan Dollah did not respond to his requests to convene a meeting on the allegations against Azam.
Gomez also wrote to MACC's Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR) chairperson Abu Zahar Nika Ujang on three occasions, proposing that he attends the advisory board meeting to present reports.
Currently, there are 10 special select committees attached to the Dewan Rakyat, covering various topics and aspects.
MACC falls under the jurisdiction of the Special Select Committee on Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department, which is chaired by Kuala Krai MP Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman of PAS.
Malaysiakini has contacted Azam for his comment.
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