In a recent talk show, Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), disclosed that a current Cabinet member under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was investigated by the commission. However, Azam refrained from revealing the minister's identity, noting that the investigation did not yield enough evidence for prosecution.
"We have lost many cases," Azam stated. "In the current administration, we investigated a minister, but there was insufficient evidence to charge him. What can I do? Should I charge and investigate all ministers? I cannot let public or political pressure influence my decisions," he remarked during the New Straits Times' online talk show, Beyond the Headlines. He acknowledged that the public still views the MACC as a political tool despite the changes in government since his appointment in March 2020.
Azam emphasized the importance of public understanding regarding the MACC's mandate to investigate corruption allegations impartially. "This perception is hard to change because it requires an educated and mature society to grasp the legal processes involved. I have repeatedly informed the public about our country's separation of powers, which includes the executive, legislature, and judiciary. We only investigate when there is a complaint, but do you think people believe that?" he questioned.
He pointed out that the MACC has investigated cases involving members from both political sides, highlighting notable investigations such as the Penang undersea tunnel project, the Jana Wibawa program, and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. These cases illustrate the challenges and pressures he has faced since 2015, serving under various administrations from Barisan Nasional led by Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the first Pakatan Harapan government under Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, followed by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, then Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and now under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Azam's remarks underscore the ongoing struggle to maintain public trust in the MACC's impartiality and the broader fight against corruption in Malaysia.
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