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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has clarified that the corruption conviction of Datuk Azhari Shari, the Acting Chairman of Halal Development Corporation (HDC), remains recorded in its Corruption Offenders Database.
According to a report by Berita Harian, the MACC’s Strategic Communications Division (BKS) confirmed that although Azhari had fulfilled the penalty imposed by the court, his conviction under Section 471 of the Penal Code is still officially listed.
This clarification follows a recent statement by HDC, in which the corporation asserted that Azhari had undergone and passed an integrity screening conducted by the MACC and had no criminal record related to corruption.
The MACC responded by explaining that such screenings are conducted solely as a reference for the requesting agency, in this case, HDC, and are not legally binding.
BKS elaborated that a background check conducted on 30 October 2024 revealed no active investigations or open case files against Azhari at that time. Accordingly, HDC was formally informed on 4 November 2024 that there were no ongoing investigations by MACC involving him as of that date.
“For the record, the individual in question was convicted under Section 471 of the Penal Code and was fined RM1,900 by the Shah Alam Sessions Court on 23 October 2023,” the statement read.
“The conviction record remains listed in the MACC’s Corruption Offenders Database.”
Previously, HDC claimed that based on the Integrity Screening Committee's decision dated 4 November 2024, Azhari had been confirmed to be free of any corruption offences. The issue resurfaced following public concern over Azhari’s presence on the HDC Board of Directors after he pleaded guilty in a criminal case.
The MACC has urged all parties to refrain from issuing statements or speculation that may mislead the public or undermine the integrity of its screening processes.
“MACC remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in all screening and investigation processes, in line with principles of integrity and good governance,” the agency said. -September 10, 2025