Allegation against Azam Baki are lies

(FMT) – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki has finally spoken on his alleged ownership of shares, saying claims that he controls many companies are “lies”.

At a press conference today, Azam claimed that there were efforts by certain parties to undermine the MACC’s credibility.

“I did no wrong. Claims that there is a conflict of interest on my part are baseless,” he said.

“My share accounts are used by my brother. I have no interests in the shares bought. The shares bought by my brother and the companies have nothing to do with (any) MACC probes.”

Azam said he will be taking legal action against the parties who first raised the claims against him, for trying to tarnish his reputation, though he did not disclose who specifically.

He also said it was “highly possible” that controversial “whistleblower” Twitter account Edisi Siasat would be among those sued.

When asked why he took so long to respond to the allegations first raised in mid-December, he said he had no need to explain anything as he did not do anything wrong.

“But when I was asked to explain the matter to the MACC’s Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, I gave a detailed explanation to them,” he said.

He added that he had informed his superiors back in 2015 when the shares were first bought by his brother, and that they were satisfied with his explanation.

“I don’t see it as an issue. I don’t think it’s an offence.”

He acknowledged that there might be certain parties that have been angered by the work he was doing and who might be trying to taint his reputation.

“I don’t know their agenda but what I can see is that they’re trying to ruin my reputation.”