Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has initiated legal action against global news agency Bloomberg over an article he alleges is defamatory and baseless.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, Azam filed the suit at the Malaya High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Friday through law firm Zain Megat & Murad. The defendants named in the civil action are Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Damages and Injunction Sought
In a statement, the law firm said the lawsuit concerns the publication of an article allegedly containing defamatory claims against its client. Azam is seeking appropriate damages as well as a permanent injunction to restrain further publication.
The firm stressed that all allegations made against the MACC chief are unfounded, adding that the legal proceedings were initiated to safeguard his professional standing and reputation.
Earlier reports indicated that Azam is seeking RM100 million in damages, claiming the publication has harmed his credibility and standing in public office.
Dispute Over Share Ownership Allegations
The dispute centres on a Bloomberg report which alleged that Azam held millions of shares in a financial services company, citing corporate filings.
Prior to filing the suit, Azam’s legal representatives had issued a letter of demand to Bloomberg over the article, which they contend contained defamatory assertions regarding his share ownership.
The firm also urged all parties to respect the judicial process, noting that the matter is now before the court.
