Azam failing at his job, NGO says after his call for 'patience' over Sabah scandal

Summary

• A Sabah-based NGO criticises MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki after the latter asked the public to be patient over the investigations into the corruption scandal implicating several state leaders.

• Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now president Duncan Cheng says Azam’s appeal gives the impression that the former is failing at his job.

• Cheng also calls for the Sabah assembly to debate on the scandal next week.

A Sabah-based NGO hurled brickbats at MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki over the agency’s tardiness in investigating the corruption scandal implicating top leaders of the state.

This comes after Azam urged the people to be patient on the matter.

“By asking us to be patient, it gives an impression that Azam is fumbling at his job. Even his reasons are illogical.

“Why are the investigations taking so long? It’s been six months since the exposé, with clear evidence produced.” Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now president Duncan Cheng said in a statement today.

Earlier today, Azam said his team is awaiting the forensic analysis report into the Sabah scandal videos, which were submitted on March 11.

He also emphasised that the corruption allegations involving the assemblypersons are not something that can be covered up, and the investigation is ongoing.

“As I’ve mentioned before, two investigation papers have been opened – one on Albert (the whistleblower) and one on the former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management (Jontih Enggihon). These involve the eight assemblypersons and the videos.

“So everyone needs to understand – I’ve clarified this many times, and I hope everyone will be patient.

“In our investigations, we are not fully guided by public opinion. We follow standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he added.

‘Second biggest scandal after 1MDB’

Unimpressed, Cheng reminded Azam that the graft allegation against state assemblypersons is the biggest scandal known to Sabah, adding that it even implicated the state speaker.

He added that the case revealed massive weaknesses in the Sabah administration, helmed by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

“According to Latheefa Koya, Azam’s predecessor, this scandal is the second biggest after 1MDB.

“She also mentioned that it was not about the amount of money involved but the number of elected representatives implicated, something that has never happened in Malaysia,” he mentioned.

With the scandal affecting Sabahans and trust in their local leaders, Cheng called for the matter to be debated at the Sabah state assembly, which is expected to convene next week.

“And we also urge MACC to announce their findings soon. Sabahans have the right to know what is the agency’s next course of action against those implicated,” he added.

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