KUALA LUMPUR: The DAP will push ahead with calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the ‘corporate mafia’ allegations made by Bloomberg against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
In a statement today, DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo said that while the anti-graft body has dismissed the claims as baseless and originating from an anonymous blog, a mere denial on its part is insufficient.
“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case,” said Gobind, who is also the Digital Minister.
“When the integrity of our premier anti-graft agency is questioned, a self-issued clearance does not measure up. In itself, it does little to restore public or investor confidence.”
He added that DAP’s position, as expressed by its secretary-general Anthony Loke on Feb 24, was clear.
“What is required is an impartial and transparent inquiry. The allegations in question are specific. They name individuals, companies, and reference identifiable cases,” said Gobind.
“There is sufficient basis for an inquiry, and the best option would be to establish an RCI to be formed, as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter.
“Whether the allegations are true, and what action should follow, is a matter for the RCI to determine.”
He added that this was not about looking for fault or blame on the part of anyone, but rather reaffirm the MACC’s integrity and ensure that any allegations affecting its credibility are properly addressed.
The allegations, he added, had generated significant interest both here and internationally.
“It is therefore important to ensure that adequate steps are taken to deal with them. This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with powers of investigations and enforcement in this country are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law.
“Our position, therefore, remains there must be an inquiry into the allegations made, and that inquiry ought to be by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter and this must be done as soon as possible.”
Several Members of Parliament had also called for a full and transparent probe into claims that MACC officers were entangled in a “corporate mafia” involved in taking over companies.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), had in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, questioned why there was no independent oversight mechanism for the MACC similar to the Independent Police Conduct Commission, which monitors the police force. Hassan Karim (PH–Pasir Gudang), meanwhile, urged the government to establish an RCI to probe both the “corporate mafia” claims and the controversy surrounding Azam’s shareholding.
Khoo Poay Tiong (PH–Kota Melaka) added that this was the second time Azam had been implicated in a shareholding controversy, following a similar outcry in 2022. Khoo also called on the government to take stern action.
“Azam must resign. He has to go. Either he goes, or we go,” said Khoo.
“If we allow him to continue as chief commissioner, voters will punish us in the next general election,” he said during the debate on the 2026 Auditor-General’s Report Series 1.