The Malaysian Bar urges the government to ensure transparency, independence and accountability in investigations involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar has called upon the government to ensure that the controversy involving Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki is handled properly.
Its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said when investigations involve the head of the principal anti-corruption body, the issue transcends personalities.
“It touches directly on public confidence in institutional integrity. In moments of scrutiny, institutions are tested.
“The measure of that test lies not in defensive reaction, but in principled transparency and lawful accountability,” he said in a statement, adding that the Malaysian Bar notes the recent public concerns arising from media reports and statements regarding the matter.
Ezri said the Malaysian Bar maintains that questions of fact must be determined through proper legal processes and based on evidence.
“MACC occupies a central role in Malaysia’s governance framework.
“Its legitimacy depends not only on statutory powers but also on public trust that its leadership is beyond reproach.
“In circumstances where allegations have generated sustained public debate, the response of the government must be measured against a single critical standard, whether it strengthens or weakens that trust.
“The government has indicated that mechanisms are in place to address the matter. However, the Malaysian Bar emphasises that the effectiveness of such mechanisms depends on several factors,” he said.
“Firstly, on the independence of the probe, any review or investigation must be demonstrably free from executive or political influence.
“Public confidence cannot rest on assurances alone. It must rest on process.
“Secondly, the transparency. The scope of inquiry, applicable legal standards and findings should be communicated clearly and coherently.
“A conclusion without sufficient explanation would not quell doubt.
“Next is timeliness – prolonged uncertainty erodes institutional credibility. Matters involving senior public office bearers must be resolved without unnecessary delay.
“Lastly, consistency with the rule of law. All public officials, irrespective of rank, are subject to the same legal and ethical standards. The appearance of differential treatment is as damaging as actual impropriety.”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said no one should pass judgment before a full investigation is carried out and any action must follow the law.
He said allegations against individuals in positions of authority must be handled strictly according to the legal process.
Anwar was referring to the ongoing case involving MACC, which has drawn significant public interest, with several Cabinet members calling on Azam to step down.
Ezri added that the Malaysian Bar respectfully urges the government to examine the matter with depth and seriousness.
He said accountability cannot be superficial, and a credible response requires thorough scrutiny, even where such scrutiny may be uncomfortable.
“Those entrusted with power should reflect on how they would demand transparency and firmness if they were seated on the opposite side of the aisle.”
Recently, Bloomberg published a series of reports alleging potential conflicts of interest involving Azam.
The reports claimed that he held 17.7 million shares, or a 1.7% stake, in Velocity Capital Bhd, based on the company’s annual return lodged on Feb 3 last year.
The international news agency also raised questions about the conduct of MACC in the issue.
In response, Azam has threatened to file a RM100 million lawsuit against Bloomberg, which has stood by its reports.
Meanwhile, the government has agreed to establish a special task force to probe the allegations, chaired by Attorney-General Tan Sri Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
Azam has dismissed calls for him to take leave, maintaining that he will continue to perform his duties while the investigation is ongoing.