A group of PKR lawmakers, led by Rafizi Ramli, calls for the MACC chief’s suspension pending an independent probe into serious misconduct allegations
PETALING JAYA: A group of PKR MPs, led by former Cabinet minister Rafizi Ramli, have urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to immediately suspend Tan Sri Azam Baki from his duties as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, pending an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Speaking at a media conference in Ampang yesterday, Rafizi said the suspension would allow for a transparent and impartial probe into claims concerning Azam’s alleged share ownership as well as accusations that senior figures within the commission colluded with business interests to sideline corporate rivals and facilitate takeovers.
Rafizi said Anwar should not repeat the mistakes of incarcerated former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak over handling of the 1MDB scandal.
He added that the public could assess the seriousness of the allegations based on reports published by international news outlet Bloomberg.
“Given that Anwar’s initial response to Bloomberg’s first report was to downplay it, we have no choice but to pursue this course of action.
“We hope this matter receives serious attention, especially from Anwar, who positions himself as Malaysia’s reform prime minister. It would not be worth it for him to be judged by voters in the next general election over allegations involving a public official.”
Also present at the media conference were Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail and Subang MP Wong Chen.
Five other PKR lawmakers backing the call are Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), S. Kesavan (Sungai Siput), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng) and Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju).
Rafizi said he would begin rallying support from fellow Pakatan Harapan MPs next week.
Meanwhile, he revealed that he had received information from an MACC source that his home might be raided following reports alleging misappropriation of RM1.11 billion in investments during his tenure as a minister.
Dismissing the possibility as an intimidation tactic, Rafizi said such actions had never deterred him.
“I am a veteran when it comes to being arrested, raided, searched or detained. I am prepared to go through it again.”
Several NGOs had earlier alleged that misappropriation was involved in an investment worth about RM1.11 billion linked to a former senior minister.
