Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): MUDA president Syed Saddiq Abd Rahman has called on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to take temporary garden leave over the controversial use of his stock trading account.

He has also urged for an investigation taskforce to be established to probe into the scandal to clear Azam and to uphold the MACC’s reputation.

The Muar MP suggested the taskforce comprises the MACC, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Attorney General (AG) and police (PDRM), but exclude Azam.

Speaking at a media conference at the KL High Court on Wednesday (Jan 19), Syed Saddiq said most Malaysians did not agree with the recent statement issued by the SC on Tuesday that it has completed its inquiry into the share purchase claims made by Azam and that it could not conclusively establish if his trading account had been opened in his name as the beneficial owner or an authorised nominee.

Syed Saddiq observed that international coverage of the ongoing matter had made the country a “laughing stock” overseas.

“If he (Azam) takes temporary garden leave to clear his name and if he is successfully released by this body, the name of MACC and his will be restored and no one will [also] dispute the legal system itself.

“... Do the honourable thing. We are not asking you to step down permanently. Just clear up your name [and] set up a proper task force because I want to say that the MACC used to set up a special team to investigate the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case.

“He (Azam) was supportive. Why not create a taskforce on this case?”

Syed Saddiq observed that there was close bipartisan cooperation with the MACC previously in freeing the commission from the grip of political leaders regardless of whether they were from the government or the opposition, and also in placing the institution under the purview of Parliament.

However, he noted technical arguments had been used to delay Azam’s attendance before a parliamentary select committee. “So how do you expect people to take this important and critical institution or organ of the state seriously [when he does not want to answer to Parliament]?”

Azam divulged earlier this month that his share trading account had been used by his younger brother to purchase shares in 2015, after it was reported that the MACC chief had significant shareholdings in several companies.

He denied any wrongdoing and said the stocks purchased had subsequently been transferred to his brother's account.

Edited ByPauline Ng
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