KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s top anti-corruption official, Azam Baki, was questioned last week by a special government committee investigating his ownership of shares in a financial firm, as scrutiny intensifies over potential breaches of public servant rules.
Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said Friday the panel is reviewing compliance in Azam’s 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner – valued at nearly RM800,000 ($260,400) per a February 10 Bloomberg report citing company filings. The committee, still gathering evidence, plans to summon more witnesses.
A 2024 government circular limits public officials to shares not exceeding 5% of a company’s paid-up capital or RM100,000, whichever is lower. Servants must declare assets every five years and upon buying or selling.
The probe follows Bloomberg reports alleging MACC officers colluded with businessmen on takeovers, sparking protests in Kuala Lumpur and calls from civil groups for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse of power, unexplained wealth and extortion.
Azam, MACC chief commissioner, dismissed the stock coverage as “malicious and misleading,” insisting he broke no rules. The agency affirmed its investigations follow the law, free from private influence.”We assure a thorough, transparent, independent and professional investigation,” Shamsul stated. Findings and recommendations, including any criminal referrals, will go to authorities.