Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki has maintained that he will not take leave while investigations into his alleged shareholdings are ongoing.
Addressing calls for him to be placed on garden leave during the probe, Azam said there was no necessity for such action, noting that in past cases, individuals facing court proceedings had continued to discharge their official duties.
“I do not need to go on leave. There have been cases before where individuals under investigation continued working,” he said.
Ready To Cooperate With Task Force
Azam stressed that he is prepared to cooperate fully with the special task force established to look into the matter.
“I am ready at any time. If called, I will provide all relevant documents. I have nothing to hide,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
He made the remarks at a press conference after officiating the launch of the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme in Kampung Sungai Buah, Dengkil, today.
The Cabinet had ordered the investigation following a Bloomberg News report alleging that Azam held shares exceeding the limit permitted for civil servants.
Azam has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he currently does not hold shares in the market. It is understood that he is seeking RM100 million in damages from Bloomberg, claiming reputational harm and damage to his professional standing arising from the report.
Bloomberg, however, has defended its publication. A spokesperson told The Edge that the news agency stands by its reporting, which also alleged links between Azam and several businessmen described as having questionable reputations.
Rally Planned In Kuala Lumpur
When asked about a planned protest in Kuala Lumpur, Azam declined to comment, saying demonstrations against him were not new.
The rally, organised by the #TangkapAzamBaki Secretariat, is scheduled to be held in front of the Sogo shopping mall in the capital this evening.
In addition to calling for Azam’s resignation, organisers are demanding a thorough investigation into the allegations and the revocation of his adjunct professor title at public universities.
The case continues to draw public attention, reflecting broader concerns over transparency and accountability within public institutions.
