AZAM OPEN TO INDEPENDENT PANEL PROBE OVER SHARE OWNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has stressed that he is fully open to being investigated by any independent committee set up by the government to look into matters related to his share ownership.

In a statement today, Azam said he has nothing to hide and that all financial and asset declarations had been made in accordance with the applicable public service regulations through the prescribed official channels.

“I would like to stress that I am fully open to being investigated by any independent committee established by the government to specifically examine matters related to my share ownership.

“I welcome any transparent, independent and objective process to establish the facts based on evidence and in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.

Azam said such an approach of openness is important not only to defend his integrity, but also to maintain public confidence in the MACC as an enforcement institution.

He also stressed that as a civil servant and head of an enforcement agency, any individual facing allegations should adopt an open attitude and be prepared to be investigated independently and transparently.

“This principle must apply to everyone without exception. A culture of accountability cannot be selective or seasonal,” he said.

Azam said the MACC always takes note of every report and complaint lodged by any party, including non-governmental organisations, and will assess all information based on the law and facts obtained through a lawful investigation process.

“No one is above the law, and no one should be punished based solely on perception or media narratives,” he said.

He said that throughout his service, he has remained committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law, and will continue to extend his full cooperation to any legitimate and properly established mechanism to examine the matter.

“I am confident that the truth will prevail through a fair and independent process,” he said.

-- BERNAMA