Only independent probe can clear Azam, says anti-graft watchdog

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PETALING JAYA: An anti-corruption watchdog has rejected the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board’s (ACAB) move to clear top graft-buster Azam Baki of any wrongdoing over his ownership of corporate shares.

Earlier today, ACAB chairman Abu Zahar Ujang said it was satisfied with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner’s explanation that his share account was used by his brother to purchase shares.

Abu Zahar said ACAB found no conflict of interest and that Azam did not have any pecuniary interest in the purchase of the shares, which was made in the open market in 2015 and transferred to his brother’s account the same year.

However, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said the ACAB’s inquiry did not amount to an independent probe to ascertain “the truth and details”.

“Only an independent probe will suffice to clear his (Azam) name and restore the integrity of MACC,” C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel told FMT.

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