Azalina added that any subsequent action, including the consideration of an RCI, should be guided by the findings of the investigations to ensure decisions were based on facts, justice and the rule of law.
PETALING JAYA: The government will only consider establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations involving former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholdings and claims of a corporate mafia within the anti-graft agency after ongoing investigations have been completed.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government takes seriously all allegations involving corporate mafia activities and matters that could undermine the integrity and public confidence in national institutions.
In a written parliamentary reply to Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan), who asked why an RCI had not been established over Azam’s shareholdings and allegations of a corporate mafia within the MACC, Azalina said authorities were currently conducting investigations to establish all relevant facts.
“It is important that the investigation process be given sufficient space to proceed independently, transparently and comprehensively in accordance with the law and established procedures,” she said.
She added that any subsequent action, including the consideration of an RCI, should be guided by the findings of the investigations to ensure decisions were based on facts, justice and the rule of law.
Azalina said the government remained open to establishing an RCI or any other appropriate mechanism if it was deemed necessary in the public interest.
She explained that under the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950, the establishment of an RCI begins with the preparation of a Cabinet memorandum by the lead ministry handling the matter.
Once approved by the Cabinet, the Prime Minister would seek the consent of the King before the commission’s terms of reference, membership and investigation period were gazetted.
In a separate written reply to Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya), who requested a list of Azam’s share purchase transactions between 2012 and 2026 and details of when his shareholdings exceeded RM100,000, Azalina said the requested information could not be disclosed.
She said issues relating to the former MACC chief’s asset declaration and share ownership had already been examined by a Special Investigation Committee established on Feb 13, 2026.
“The committee completed its investigation independently, transparently and professionally, and its findings have been presented to the Cabinet,” she said.
However, she said the requested records of share purchase transactions, asset declarations and related documents formed part of the investigation papers and contained personal information protected under existing laws, and therefore were not public documents.
Azalina said the government nevertheless assured that all matters relating to Azam’s share ownership and compliance with the relevant regulations had been thoroughly examined during the investigation, with appropriate action taken based on the committee’s findings.
She added that any official developments or decisions warranting public disclosure would be announced by the Chief Secretary to the Government’s Office, in line with the media statement issued on March 31, 2026.
