NGO: People of Sabah oppose extension of Azam Baki's tenure

Summary

• Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now cites Azam Baki’s “weak” handling of the corruption scandal in the state.

• The NGO also questions Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim if there are no other candidates for the MACC chief post.

A Sabah-based NGO has strongly opposed any move to extend the tenure of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki beyond its scheduled end in May.

Duncan Cheng of Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now said reports of a possible six-month extension have triggered outrage among the people of Sabah.

“It is clearly evident that Azam has been rather weak and slow in investigating the corruption scandal involving mineral exploration licences, which implicates the speaker of the state assembly and eight assemblypersons from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

“These nine ‘Yang Berhormat’ have set a record for the largest involvement in corruption in the history of Sabah, complete with video recordings of discussions about bribe amounts between the whistleblower and the nine YBs,” he added in a statement.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Cheng noted that MACC has yet to make any arrests or press charges against the implicated assemblypersons.

“Azam has only offered the unreasonable excuse that the case is still under investigation.

“People in Sabah are wondering - what makes it so difficult that the MACC needs six months just to carry out an investigation? There is a complainant, witnesses, WhatsApp records, money trails, and most importantly, video evidence showing the faces of the nine YBs,” he added.

Cheng stressed that the MACC’s delay in addressing the case has fueled public speculation and sown confusion among the people.

“Azam, as MACC’s chief commissioner, must be held fully responsible for this failure,” he said, questioning whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim truly believes there are no other qualified candidates to lead the commission.

Cheng said Sabahans are requesting an explanation from the prime minister regarding the achievements and contributions of Azam in leading MACC since 2020 under three prime ministers.

“Is the repeated process and culture of extending the contract of top officials who have reached the mandatory retirement age in line with the principles of transparent governance championed by Anwar since becoming prime minister?" he asked.

‘I will announce it’

Yesterday, Anwar, who has extended Azam’s tenure twice since coming to power in November 2022, said there has been no decision on extending it for a third time.

“If a decision has been made, I will announce it. Anyway, his contract is not over yet,” said the prime minister.

He was responding to a Bloomberg article, quoting sources, that the MACC chief commissioner would be given a six-month extension.

The report also purported that Anwar discussed with officials that giving Azam a full-year extension could fuel criticism against the government.

On March 13, lawyer Mahajoth Singh, who is representing the businessperson who exposed the Sabah scandal, said his client has provided “ample evidence” to MACC during two questioning sessions.

“Ample evidence was provided, resulting in an almost 50-page statement,” he added.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has accused the businessperson of colluding with individuals with vested interests to undermine his government.

There have also been suggestions that he is part of a cartel attempting to monopolise mining in the state, resorting to fraudulent tactics to achieve this goal.

Report: Azam poised for hat-trick extension under Anwar

Better to close MACC than probe based on public opinion, Azam tells critics

UiTM appoints Azam Baki as adjunct professor

C4 slams Azam for naming Sabah whistleblower

Businessperson unfazed as Azam names him, to give MACC statement