RM100 million lawsuit to be initiated if response to letter of demand not received within 14 days over article on ownership of shares
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) has fired a warning shot at Bloomberg, saying he will sue the international media outlet for RM100 million if it fails to respond to his letter of demand (LoD) within 14 days over an article alleging that he owns millions of shares in a financial services company.
He said if there is no reply to the LoD, he would proceed with legal action.
Through his solicitors Zain Megat & Murad, Azam is seeking damages for alleged injury to his reputation and professional standing.
He was speaking after officiating at the Kampung Angkat Madani event at the Kampung Sungai Buah community hall yesterday.
Azam said he has lodged a police report over the matter, adding that he would submit the same documents provided earlier to the special investigation committee to assist in investigations.
“They will, of course, need to review contracts, assess my financial standing and so on. So, this should not be the subject of any baseless speculation.
“I am taking this very seriously. I have already issued an LoD and filed a police report. So, what more do they need? Even in Singapore, two ministers have taken legal action against Bloomberg.”
Amid calls for him to take leave over the allegations, Azam insisted he would continue performing his duties as usual.
“That is up to them. I do not need to take leave. I can point to many individuals currently charged in court who are still on duty. Have I committed any crime?”
On the special investigation committee set up to probe his share ownership issue, Azam said he has yet to be called.
“I am ready at any time and if called, I will provide the relevant documents. I have nothing to hide.
“I will provide the documents but there are personal documents that I will only show to them, for example bank documents. I will not show them to parties who are not involved. These are private documents.”
The committee is chaired by Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar and includes Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
It was reported that investigations have begun and the committee findings would be submitted to the prime minister and the disciplinary authority.
He said personal records, including bank statements, would be submitted directly to committee members.
“Of course, I will cooperate, as I was the one who requested that the investigation be carried out. I am confident the committee will perform its duties in a transparent and accountable manner.”
Meanwhile, Azam declined to comment on a rally held yesterday, organised by the Tangkap Azam Baki Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur.
“I do not want to comment. There have been many demonstrations against me before. It is not the first time. You can check the record. It is up to them if they want to assemble or hold a protest. That is their choice. It is not my concern.”
