PM Anwar says RCI on MACC chief premature, AG’s report will guide next steps on allegations
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki and claims of a “corporate mafia” as premature.
He said the government will first await the outcome of an investigation led by the Attorney General before deciding on any further action.
Anwar said the Attorney General’s probe would be completed within days, after which the Cabinet would decide whether there is sufficient rationale to extend the investigation or establish an RCI.
“Regarding the proposal for a Royal Commission of Inquiry, for us it is rather premature, too early.
“The investigation led by the Attorney General will be completed this week, within a few days.
“So let us first see the reasonableness and rationale for extending it, and in which areas further scrutiny may be required,” he said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar stressed that he was neither accepting nor rejecting the proposal at this stage.
“Let us follow the process.
First, obtain the report from the Attorney General, which will not be delayed… Then, if there is rationale to extend it, we will extend it,” he added.
The Prime Minister was responding to a supplementary question from Klang MP V Ganabatirau following the release of a Bloomberg documentary alleging the existence of a corporate mafia network and the involvement of enforcement personnel in abuse of power.
While acknowledging media reports, Anwar cautioned against giving undue weight to a single outlet in the midst of ongoing investigations.
“If issues are raised and there is a basis, they will continue to be investigated.
Not merely ordinary allegations.
“We do not investigate thousands of allegations made against leaders or any figure unless there is a basis,” he said.
He reiterated that investigations into the allegations were ongoing and not closed.
Both the issue of share ownership and claims of a corporate mafia network remain under scrutiny, he said, adding that the government’s position “then and now” was consistent — investigate, but in accordance with established procedures.
On oversight of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and high-risk civil servants, Anwar said he was open to proposals to tighten existing controls and enhance monitoring mechanisms to strengthen institutional integrity and public trust.
However, he maintained that any further steps, including the formation of an RCI, would depend on the findings of the Attorney General’s report.
