The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has dismissed a recent Bloomberg report involving its chief commissioner as misleading and baseless, warning that such allegations risk eroding public trust in the Commission.
In a statement issued today, MACC said it viewed the report seriously, stressing that it not only harmed the image and reputation of the officer concerned but also unfairly associated the Commission with allegations of misconduct.
“Any suggestion of a failure to declare assets is factually incorrect and creates a misleading perception of the integrity and governance systems that govern MACC and the public service,” the statement said.
MACC clarified that asset declarations by public officers are governed by established administrative and governance procedures within the public service framework, and are submitted through official channels to the relevant authorities.
The Commission said its chief commissioner has fully complied with all asset declaration requirements, including submissions made via the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) to the Public Service Department.
“These declarations include sources of income as well as the acquisition and disposal of assets, including shareholdings,” it said, adding that any implication of non-compliance was inaccurate and unfair.
MACC stressed that the reporting unjustifiably linked the Commission to allegations of wrongdoing, potentially undermining public confidence in an agency entrusted with upholding integrity and transparency.
“Such reporting unfairly associates MACC with misconduct and may weaken public trust in the Commission,” it said.
Reiterating its commitment to accountability, MACC said it would not tolerate attempts to damage its credibility through inaccurate or irresponsible reporting.
Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki clarified that his previous shareholding in a financial services company was conducted transparently and in full compliance with regulations.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Azam said he had nothing to conceal regarding the RM800,000 worth of shares, which were properly declared. He added that the shares were purchased and disposed of within the same year.
Describing reports questioning the transaction as malicious and misleading, Azam said he is considering legal action over what he views as defamatory claims.
