KUALA LUMPU – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Tuesday that a special committee probing the shareholdings of anti-corruption chief Azam Baki expects to deliver its report within days, making it premature to launch a full Royal Commission of Inquiry into broader allegations of agency collusion with businessmen.
Speaking in Parliament on March 3, Datuk Seri Anwar revealed the three-member panel, led by the Attorney-General and comprising senior public servants, will submit its findings in one or two days. The review stems from two explosive Bloomberg News reports in January that ignited public protests, demands for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief’s resignation, and scrutiny of his investments.
The first exposé highlighted Azam’s undeclared shares in a financial services firm exceeding limits for public officials, while the second alleged MACC officers worked with business figures to bully and oust company executives. Both claims have been vehemently rejected by Azam and the MACC.
In response, Malaysia’s Cabinet formed the committee in mid-February. Lawmakers from Anwar’s coalition, including its largest party, have pushed for a Royal Commission, a high-powered panel appointed by the king on Cabinet advice, typically led by judges, empowered to summon witnesses and gather sworn evidence but without prosecutorial authority.
Anwar stressed the government remains open to the idea but prioritizes due process, awaiting the committee’s conclusions before any decision. Representatives from the MACC, Prime Minister’s Office, and Attorney-General’s office offered no immediate comment.
The developments underscore ongoing tensions over graft enforcement in Malaysia, where Royal Commissions have historically shaped public policy on major scandals, though implementation relies on subsequent government action.