Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) has voiced firm support for Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki in his defamation action against Bloomberg L.P., describing the move as consistent with the rule of law.
MCW president Jais Abdul Karim said initiating legal proceedings is a lawful and appropriate step when reports are alleged to contain inaccuracies or misleading assertions. He stressed that in a country governed by legal principles, allegations should not be treated as punishment without due judicial scrutiny.
According to Jais, the lawsuit represents Azam’s personal right to seek redress as an individual and should not be construed as an attack on media freedom. Civil litigation, he added, is a proper and orderly mechanism to resolve disputes relating to facts and reputation.
Jais underscored that press freedom must go hand in hand with journalistic accountability, including thorough fact-checking and balanced reporting. He noted that international media organisations are equally bound by these standards.
He cautioned that media outlets should exercise fairness and restraint, and avoid being influenced by parties advancing unverified narratives.
MCW further warned that sensational or unfounded allegations risk undermining public trust and investor confidence in national enforcement institutions.
The organisation urged all parties to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation, emphasising that the truth should ultimately be determined in court and that institutional integrity must be safeguarded.
The defamation suit follows a Bloomberg report published on 10 February alleging that Azam owned shares. In his filing,
