Malaysian Bar calls for credible probe into claims involving Azam

The Malaysian Bar has urged the government to ensure that any investigations into allegations involving MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is conducted independently, transparently, and without delay to safeguard institutional credibility.

Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab told the government that any method it wields to deal with the scandal must reinforce public trust in MACC and rule of law.

"When concerns involve the head of the principal anti-corruption body, the issue transcends personalities. It touches directly on public confidence in institutional integrity," Ezri (above) said in a statement today.

Last week, Bloomberg and Malaysiakini separately reported that Azam owned significant shares in two companies that appeared to be in excess of what the civil service rules allow.

Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) records revealed that Azam had at some point held 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner Berhad and around 4.52 million shares in Awanbiru Technology Berhad.

The Velocity Capital Partner shares were believed to have been bought for around RM1.5 million, while the Awanbiru shares were estimated to have been valued between RM1.24 million and RM1.38 million at some point.

While share trading by civil servants is not illegal, the 2024 Public Officers’ Conduct and Disciplinary Management Circular stipulates that they are not allowed to purchase shares that exceed five percent of paid-up capital or RM100,000 at current value.

However, Azam countered that his shareholding did not involve paid-up capital but was instead acquired through purchases on the open market.

Subsequently, Bloomberg published another report, alleging that MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to strong-arm business rivals and stage corporate takeovers and that Azam was aware of the collusion and had even acted in support of such acts.

Leadership’s reputation matters

Commenting further, Ezri stressed the MACC's role in the national governance network, noting that the commission's credibility relies on the reputation of its leadership.

"At a broader level, this episode again highlights the importance of strengthening structural safeguards governing anti-corruption institutions.

"The long-standing discussions concerning enhanced parliamentary oversight, clearer conflict-of-interest frameworks and greater institutional autonomy remain relevant.

"Sustainable confidence cannot depend on personalities; it must be anchored in systemic integrity," he said.

Following public outcry, the government formed a three-member committee headed by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar to conduct an investigation into the allegations.

However, Dusuki indicated that it will only focus on issues regarding Azam’s shareholdings.

Azam has said that he will give full cooperation to the committee, adding that he had requested to be investigated.

Get Tengku Maimun in

Separately, G25, a group of Malay-Muslim professionals advocating good governance, expressed agreement with proposals to expand the committee to include five members.

It backed calls for former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat to head the probe, while suggesting the inclusion of a respected representative from civil society as a move to strengthen the committee's credibility.

"Broader participation would demonstrate that the process is not confined within the executive branch and help reassure Malaysians that the investigation will be impartial and transparent," it said in a statement today.

The committee should also probe wider allegations that MACC had acted inconsistently with its purpose, G25 added.

It went on to question whether the committee was adequate to address the issue, advocating for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry instead.

Not the first time

In late 2021, Azam came under scrutiny over his ownership of shares valued at hundreds of thousands of ringgit in two companies.

In January 2022, Azam said he informed the MACC’s Corruption Prevention Advisory Board that the shares were bought by his brother, who borrowed his account, and that he believed he did not do anything wrong.

The declaration triggered a Securities Commission probe that eventually found no evidence of proxy trading as it determined Azam had “control” over his own trading account.

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