Don't target Bloomberg, expand panel's scope – Izzah
PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar has urged authorities to ensure investigations into a Bloomberg report implicating MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki focus on the allegations against him rather than on the publication.
In a TikTok video, Nurul Izzah (above) also cited her own opinion piece in The Star that questioned “Who watches the watchmen?” - in reference to the need for independent oversight of anti-corruption bodies.
“I urge that the police investigation, as announced, focus on the allegations raised by Bloomberg - not on investigating the publication of the report itself.
“Put simply, if there are allegations, investigate the allegations, not the process of publication.
“What the public wants is for the substance of the claims to be investigated, not how the report came to be published. You don’t want to shoot the messenger,” she stressed.
On Feb 14, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar confirmed a probe against Bloomberg over its Feb 10 report on Azam’s share ownership.
Kumar said the Bloomberg article titled “Malaysian Anti-Graft Chief Returns to Stocks After Outcry” contained defamatory statements against Azam.
Bloomberg is reportedly being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which criminalises publication of false news.
Committee’s limited scope
Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah also welcomed the government’s decision to form a committee chaired by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar to probe the allegations against Azam, but cautioned that the move would fall short if its scope was too limited.
She stressed that any investigation must be conducted seriously and comprehensively, noting that existing oversight mechanisms over the MACC lacked enforcement authority.
“Therefore, our counter-proposal is to establish a committee vested with real directive and oversight powers. Reporting to Parliament is effectively reporting to the people.
“The leadership of any special investigation committee must also be entrusted to individuals widely regarded as independent and possessing integrity.
“Multiple agencies should also be involved to avoid perceptions of bias,” Nurul Izzah stressed.
Azam, who has pledged cooperation with the ongoing probe, is embroiled in a shareholding scandal.
Allegations also surfaced that MACC officers colluded with private individuals to strong-arm business rivals and abet corporate takeovers.
Critics of the government-formed committee and Dusuki’s role have instead nominated former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as a figure capable of leading an independent panel to investigate claims against Azam.
Strengthening governance
Further, Nurul Izzah emphasised that enforcement institutions such as the MACC must function as safeguards for the public, especially at a time when Malaysia is attracting growing investor confidence.
She said strengthening governance was crucial to ensure the country earns not only investors’ trust but also public confidence.
“This is a critical moment for us to strengthen governance so Malaysia becomes a country trusted not only by investors but by its own people,” she said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously defended Azam against calls for the MACC chief to be suspended and remained firm that no punitive measures would be taken unless thorough investigations had been carried out.
