Malaysia rejects lawmaker's bid for ex-graft chief's share data amid probes

Malaysia's government has rejected a parliamentary request to disclose the shareholding records of former anti-graft agency chief Azam Baki. Azalina Othman, a minister overseeing law and institutional reform, stated that the records are considered confidential, forming part of ongoing investigations and protected personal information under existing laws.

The request came from Lee Chean Chung, a lawmaker from the ruling Parti Keadilan Rakyat, who sought Azam's shareholding data from 2012 to 2026. This follows a Bloomberg News report in February alleging that Azam, while heading the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), held stock in a financial services firm exceeding the permissible limit for public officials. Azam has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

An initial investigation into Azam's shareholdings was conducted by a three-person team of senior public servants, led by the attorney general. The findings were presented to the Cabinet in March, and the chief secretary to the government was tasked with determining the next steps, though the report has not yet been made public.

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It’s not a public document.

Subsequently, a second probe was initiated following further allegations reported by Bloomberg in February, which suggested collusion between anti-graft officials and a group of businessmen, dubbed the 'corporate mafia,' to intimidate executives. The MACC has denied these allegations, and law enforcement agencies, including the MACC, were directed by the Cabinet to investigate.

Azalina Othman assured that all relevant aspects, including share ownership and regulatory compliance, were examined during the investigation, and appropriate actions have been taken based on the findings. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil previously stated in April that the government committed to making the findings public once both investigations are concluded. Azam retired in May, with both investigations still pending. A new chief has since taken over the MACC.

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The government provides assurances that all relevant aspects, including share ownership and compliance with prevailing regulations, were examined in the investigation, and appropriate actions have been taken based on the Committee’s findings.