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THE ANTI-graft commission chief has given a statement to a special investigation panel examining his share ownership, as scrutiny intensifies over compliance and governance standards at the country’s top graft-busting agency.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirmed that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was called in on 19 February to provide a statement regarding the matter.
The Special Investigation Committee convened the same day and is currently reviewing the initial findings.
“The committee is still assessing all the statements obtained and will call other relevant witnesses to complete the investigation.
“The committee assures that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted transparently, independently and professionally,” Shamsul Azri said in a statement.
He added that the panel’s findings and any recommendations for further action would be submitted to the relevant authorities, including in cases where breaches of criminal law or applicable regulations are identified.
Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has been appointed chairman of the Special Investigation Committee. Other members include Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
The issue surfaced following a Bloomberg report citing corporate filings which alleged that Azam held shares in a financial services company.
Azam has since maintained that his shareholding, valued at RM800,000, was acquired transparently and in accordance with proper procedures.
In a related development, Azam filed a defamation suit against Bloomberg over an article published on 10 February concerning the shareholding allegations. Through the writ of summons and statement of claim, he is seeking RM100 million in general damages, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest and costs.
Malaysia Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said Azam’s legal action should not be construed as intimidation or a slight against press freedom, but rather as a lawful avenue to resolve disputes over facts and reputation.
“Principle ‘rule of law’ must be respected by all parties. If indeed the report contains elements that are inaccurate, misleading or biased, then filing a lawsuit is a legitimate and professional step to allow the court to determine the truth.
“In a country governed by law, allegations cannot become punishment without due legal process,” he said in a statement.
Jais added that media freedom carries corresponding responsibilities, including fact-checking, source verification and balanced reporting.
“Media must be fairer and more cautious so as not to be used by any interested parties to shape a narrative that has not been proven.
“At the same time, the integrity of enforcement institutions must be defended because unsubstantiated and sensationalised allegations can negatively affect public confidence and international investor trust in the country’s administrative system,” he said.
He emphasised that every individual, including high-profile public officials, has the right to defend their reputation through legal channels if they believe they have been defamed or unfairly reported.
“MCW will continue to stand firm in defending institutional integrity and ensuring that the fight against corruption is not weakened by narratives that have yet to be tested in court,” he added. - February 22, 2026
