Accept SC decision on MACC chief, says PM

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the decision of the Securities Commission (SC) on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki’s trading account should be accepted by all parties.

“The SC has made a decision… (this matter) was left to the SC as it involves the purchase of shares. So the SC has made a decision and it says there is no case against him (Azam), so we accept the SC’s decision,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after an event in Putrajaya yesterday, responding to the question of whether Azam would be asked to go on leave pending the full completion of the investigation against him.

The SC yesterday said there was no breach of Section 25(4) of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991 (Sicda) with relation to Azam’s trading account.

In a statement, the SC said the independent evidence gathered at the inquiry into Azam’s trading account showed that he was the account holder and had control of the account in question.

Ismail said everyone must accept the outcome of investigations by professional entities such as the SC.

“Don’t ask that he (Azam) be investigated and, after being investigated and the decision made, we are still not satisfied.

“Let’s not think of following our own wishes. If they are the opposition, surely they want to follow their own wish… that can’t be. They must accept the decision of professional bodies such as the SC. So, if there are any queries about the SC’s decision, go and ask the SC,” he said.

On rumours about a state election for Johor, Ismail, who is also Umno vice-president, said the decision would be left to the Johor government and that the Umno Supreme Council had not touched on it or discussed the matter.

“If the (Johor) menteri besar feels there is a need for an election, then he will seek an audience with the sultan (of Johor). The decision is fully under the jurisdiction of Johor. Umno will leave it to the menteri besar to decide,” he said.

Previously, Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad did not rule out the need to hold an election. However, he also said that he could not arbitrarily dissolve the state legislative assembly.