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FEDERAL police have opened a criminal investigation into alleged defamatory statements concerning Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, following reports by an international media outlet regarding his purported shareholdings.
The probe will be conducted by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit of Bukit Aman under the Prosecution and Legal Division (D5) of the Criminal Investigation Department, according to CID director Datuk M Kumar.
He confirmed that police received a report today relating to allegations published on 10 February concerning Azam’s alleged ownership of shares in a company.
“The investigation is being carried out under Section 500 of the Penal Code, namely for defamation, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities or network services,” he said in a statement.
Kumar added that investigations are ongoing and urged the public not to speculate while police complete their inquiries, in keeping with the principles of criminal justice.
On Wednesday, Azam said he no longer holds any shares in any company and maintained that all previous share transactions were conducted transparently and in full compliance with government regulations.
He added that his trading account is currently empty and that this can be verified with Bursa Malaysia.
Yesterday, Azam initiated legal proceedings against a recent Bloomberg report, which he described as misleading, defamatory and damaging to his personal reputation as well as the integrity of the commission.
Separately, the Royal Malaysia Police confirmed that it has received three reports relating to allegedly defamatory statements, expressions of dissatisfaction and unfounded accusations published online against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said two of the reports were lodged at 11am yesterday following online platforms publishing articles alleging breaches of share ownership limits and public service regulations by a civil servant — claims described as false and malicious, intended to tarnish the MACC’s reputation.
“Meanwhile, one other police report was lodged in support of the statements published on the platform concerning the individual and the MACC organisation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984,” he said in a statement.
Fadil advised the public against making speculative claims or sharing unverified information, warning that firm action could be taken against any party found to be disseminating false news or defamatory material.
He said investigations would be carried out transparently, fairly and professionally in accordance with the law. - February 14, 2026