KUALA LUMPUR: A senior Malaysian minister has called on the incoming head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to prioritise transparency by addressing long-standing allegations of internal misconduct and the controversial shareholdings of its current chief, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge, is set to succeed Azam on May 13.
Gobind Singh Deo, the Digital Minister and National DAP chairman, said that the change in leadership must be accompanied by structural change.
“Datuk Sri Abdul Halim must outline his vision for the commission and present a clear roadmap of the specific reforms he intends to implement to safeguard the MACC’s independence and prevent future abuses of power,” Gobind said.
“His immediate priority must be to restore public confidence in the MACC. This requires addressing allegations of ‘corporate mafia’ activities surrounding the agency and resolving the shareholding controversy involving his predecessor, Tan Sri Azam Baki.”
Gobind highlighted the gravity of claims suggesting that MACC officials have been involved in questionable corporate activities.
“Regarding the corporate mafia allegations, questions have been raised about the suspected involvement of certain MACC officials in corporate maneuvers during investigations,” Gobind said.
“These serious claims impact the MACC’s integrity and credibility. They must be addressed without fear, favour, or delay, with clear timelines set for the completion of this process.”
The MACC has been under intense scrutiny regarding Azam’s personal shareholdings. Despite the Cabinet directing action over a month ago, the matter remains unresolved.
“Concerning the shareholding issue, matters remain pending despite the Cabinet directing action against Tan Sri Azam Baki over a month ago,” Gobind noted.
“While Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar explained that a formal process must be followed, this cannot continue indefinitely. The new MACC chief should begin his tenure without such lingering allegations.”
Gobind pointed out that a special committee led by the Attorney-General has already presented its findings to the Cabinet.
“This matter must be finalised quickly. Ultimately, accountability and transparency are paramount. The initial steps taken by the new MACC chief commissioner will define the trajectory of his leadership.
“To restore public trust, these pressing issues must be addressed effectively to signal that genuine reforms are underway,” he added.
Azam Baki, 63, has led the MACC since March 2020. In 2022, it was revealed that Azam owned nearly two million shares in a public listed company. He was later cleared by the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, but the incident sparked widespread public criticism.
Earlier this year, reports emerged citing corporate filings that listed Azam as holding 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner Bhd.
Azam, however, has consistently maintained that his shareholdings were transparent and regulatory-compliant, stating the shares were bought and sold within the same year.
The controversy, nevertheless, led to renewed calls for his resignation, culminating in a ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ (Arrest Azam Baki) rally held near the Sogo shopping complex today.