DAP will push again for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe serious allegations of a ‘corporate mafia’ within the MACC, arguing a task force lacks sufficient power
PETALING JAYA: DAP is pushing for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of a “corporate mafia” within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Its secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would raise the proposal again at the upcoming Cabinet sitting on Friday, insisting that the gravity of the claims requires a more powerful and independent mechanism than the special task force already announced.
“The Cabinet previously agreed to set up a task force to investigate MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki over his shareholdings. But the allegations now go far beyond that.
“There are two separate matters. The share ownership issue is being looked into by the special task force.
“But the allegation of a ‘corporate mafia’ is far more serious because it concerns MACC as an institution.”
He added that the task force lacks the authority to fully probe claims of collusion within a unit of the anti-graft agency.
He also said DAP already pressed for an RCI at a previous Cabinet sitting and would continue to do so, adding that only an inquiry with full investigative powers and public accountability could restore confidence.
Loke also highlighted the weight of international media coverage, saying the government cannot afford a defensive stance.
“This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. Similar matters were raised years ago, even in Parliament.
“However, this is the first time an international media organisation of this stature has reported on it.”
He said leaving the issue unresolved would cast a prolonged cloud of suspicion over MACC, ultimately eroding the credibility of the anti-corruption body.
On leadership, Loke reiterated DAP’s stance that the MACC chief commissioner should be replaced with someone who commands public trust and is free from controversy.
Meanwhile, Kota Melaka MP and Malacca DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong during the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report yesterday told Parliament that Azam must resign, adding that failure to do so could cost the government at the next general election.
He called for an RCI to probe the two Bloomberg reports concerning Azam’s share ownership and the alleged corporate mafia.
“I call on the government to take firm action. Azam Baki must step down.
“If we allow him to continue holding office, voters will punish us in the next general election.
“Let our tenure as the government not end in the next election.”
He added that while a special task force has been formed to investigate the share ownership issue, no clear action has been taken regarding the alleged corporate collusion.
Earlier, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli urged government members, particularly DAP MPs, to take a decisive stance on the Azam Baki issue without delay.
He said waiting until June could carry electoral consequences and claimed the prime minister is closely monitoring DAP’s stance, suggesting that speaking up could influence government decisions.
Also, Malaysian Chinese Association president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday called for investigations to be conducted transparently, while remaining targeted and professional.
