I won’t resign, says MACC chief Azam

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki says it is up to the Agong to decide whether he should resign, as Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders escalate calls for him to step down over claims of conflict of interest in the purchase of company shares.

Speaking to Malay daily Sinar Harian, Azam said he would not give way to calls by certain parties for him to resign as MACC chief.

“I remain firm in my decision not to step down as there is no need for me to do so,” he said.

“The only person who can end my service is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Other than that, I will not heed any of the calls championed by certain parties.”

Azam has come under attack over a series of blog articles by an activist linked to local NGO C4 Center, claiming conflict of interest in the ownership of company shares.

He has since issued a demand letter to the writer of the articles, Lalitha Kunaratnam, with the MACC lodging a police report against her describing her claims as false and unsubstantiated by evidence.

Top PH leaders have meanwhile urged for Azam to go on leave, and called for Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman Abu Zahar Ujang to be investigated after the latter cleared Azam of allegations of conflict of interest.

Earlier today, they said MACC’s consultation panel chief Borhan Dolah should also be placed on leave and investigated.

Speaking yesterday, though, Azam said the truth would be made known one day.

He also said there was no need for him to respond to the claims carried by the media.

“I am not a politician, but a senior government officer with a great deal of other work that requires my focus,” he said.

“There is no need for me to keep informing the people as it will give the impression that I have no other work do to.”