Azam Baki welcomes an independent probe over his shareholding, says he has nothing to hide and is confident the truth will prevail.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has expressed his readiness to be investigated by an independent committee over issues related to his shareholding, stressing that no one should be judged solely on perception or media narratives.
In a statement issued on Friday, Azam said he has nothing to hide and is fully open to any probe established by the government to specifically examine the matter.
“I wish to emphasise that I am fully open to being investigated by any independent committee established by the government to specifically examine matters relating to my shareholding.
“I have nothing to hide. All financial and asset declarations have been made in accordance with the prevailing public service regulations and through the prescribed official channels, as required of every public officer,” the statement read.
Azam said he welcomes any transparent, independent and objective process to ascertain the facts based on evidence and in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law.
“Such an approach is important not only to safeguard my personal integrity, but also to preserve public confidence in the MACC as an institution,” he added.
The MACC chief said that, as a public servant and head of an enforcement agency, he believes anyone facing allegations must be open and prepared to be investigated in an independent and transparent manner.
“This principle must apply to all without exception. A culture of accountability cannot be selective or seasonal.”
Azam added that the MACC takes seriously every report and complaint submitted by any party, including non-governmental organisations, and that all information received would be assessed in accordance with the law and facts obtained through lawful investigative processes.
He maintained that throughout his service, he has remained committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law. He pledged to continue extending his full cooperation to any lawful and properly constituted mechanism established to examine the matter.
“I will continue to extend my full cooperation to any lawful and properly constituted mechanism established to examine this matter,” he said, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.
Previously, Bloomberg reported that Azam holds shares in a financial services company. The report cited corporate filings with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, which listed Azam as holding 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Bhd.
According to the report, the shareholding was disclosed in the company’s annual return lodged on Feb 3 last year. Based on Velocity Capital’s share price at Monday’s close, the stake would be valued at approximately RM800,000.
Azam had previously clarified that he no longer holds any shares in any company, adding that his trading account is now empty and can be verified with Bursa Malaysia.
He has also commenced legal action against Bloomberg.
