KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the Malaysian Cabinet has formally deliberated on the mounting calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The discussions follow persistent pressure from various political quarters and civil society groups demanding a high-level independent probe into the nation’s top graft buster. Speaking to the media after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek Bandar Kajang, the Prime Minister indicated that the government is prepared to address the controversy.
“We had a thorough and productive discussion regarding this matter during the Cabinet meeting earlier today,” Anwar stated. While he did not reveal the final decision of the executive body, he assured the public that a formal announcement would be forthcoming. “An official statement will be issued in the near future to clarify our position,” he added.
The demand for an RCI is centered on two primary concerns:
- Share Ownership Controversy: Allegations surrounding the acquisition of corporate shares by Tan Sri Azam Baki, which have been a point of contention for several years.
- Institutional Integrity: Claims regarding the existence of a “corporate mafia” operating within or in influence of the MACC, raising questions about the agency’s impartiality and internal conduct.
The push for an RCI has been notably championed by the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a key component of the Unity Government. Proponents argue that only a commission with the legal weight of an RCI—which reports directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong—can restore public confidence in Malaysia’s anti-corruption framework.
Critics and reformists have long argued that internal investigations or standard police probes may not suffice given the high-ranking nature of the individual involved. By elevating the matter to an RCI, the government signals a commitment to its “Reformasi” agenda and its zero-tolerance policy toward perceived administrative discrepancies.
The upcoming government statement is expected to outline the terms of reference for the inquiry should the RCI be approved. This would include the selection of a panel of independent commissioners, likely consisting of retired judges or respected public figures, to oversee the proceedings.
As the nation awaits the official word, the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the Cabinet’s discussion serves as a significant milestone in a saga that has tested the transparency of Malaysia’s law enforcement leadership.
