PAS surprised by Azam's contract extension, calls for credible MACC
PAS is surprised that the government has decided to reappoint Azam Baki as the MACC chief commissioner for a third time.
Citing the Sabah corruption scandal, among others, the Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man emphasised for a credible and independent MACC, which would act without fear or favour.
Summary
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim says the party did not expect the government to extend MACC chief Azam Baki’s tenure a third time.
MACC has a tendency to create negative perception towards suspects, such as by displaying seized monies, he adds.
PAS has expressed surprise over the government's decision to reappoint Azam Baki as the MACC chief commissioner for a third time.
Citing the Sabah corruption scandal, among others, the Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man emphasised the need for a credible and independent MACC, which would act without fear or favour.
“I did not expect Azam’s position to be extended. However, the government has made a decision, and it is the government’s prerogative whether to extend it or not,” he added.
The extension of Azam’s contract for another year has courted brickbats from various quarters, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, who called it “unwelcome”.
Electoral reform group Bersih said it proved that the Madani government has no solid roadmap for a reform agenda.
Among the criticisms against Azam is the perception that under his leadership, the graft-busting agency dragged its feet in investigating the Sabah corruption scandal, in which multiple assemblypersons and state government leaders were implicated.
Tuan Ibrahim said MACC under Azam also tends to create a negative perception towards those being investigated.
He cited MACC making a display of seized money in the course of investigations.
“So the media and public attack (the suspect), even though they have not been charged yet,” he said.
The PAS lawmaker further urged MACC to act within its boundaries.
