Govt denies claim PM delayed Azam share probe disclosure

The government has strongly denied a Bloomberg report alleging that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had asked a special committee to delay the disclosure of findings in the investigation into MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s share ownership.

In a statement today, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the allegation, reported on March 30, was untrue.

Shamsul (above) said proceedings related to the probe had already been initiated under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, following the tabling of the investigation committee’s findings at a cabinet meeting on March 11.

“These proceedings are subject to established processes and procedures that must be followed. Any further developments will be announced from time to time,” he said.

Shamsul added that the Attorney-General’s Chambers would also take action against Bloomberg over the allegations.

Another exposé

In its report yesterday, Bloomberg quoted unnamed sources claiming Anwar told “key people” in the investigation to withhold their findings from the public.

This is supposedly until law enforcement agencies complete their separate investigations into the alleged “corporate mafia” scandal that implicated the MACC, and the matter is discussed in the cabinet again.

READ MORE: MACC colluded with businesspersons to strong-arm rivals: Bloomberg

Bloomberg also claimed that Anwar was planning to let Azam step aside after his contract expires in May, and that the anti-graft chief was allegedly lobbying to be made a senator after he retires from civil service.

Following the report, various quarters, including PAS, MCA, and a former DAP lawmaker demanded full disclosure.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli also challenged Anwar to take legal action against Bloomberg.

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