Although the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied allegations of its involvement in the People’s Justice Party (PKR) elections, former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar to stop extending the tenure of MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki in order to safeguard the institution’s reputation and credibility.
Rafizi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pandan, stated in a Facebook post on Monday (8th) that the MACC’s response confirmed that there were party members running in the election who were investigated, MACC officers had visited their homes during this period, and those involved were released without being prosecuted.
However, he pointed out that the MACC also avoided certain important information in its statement, such as not disclosing when the incident happened and the full sequence of events.
“This is because the dates of the incidents can help confirm the timeline, which coincides with the peak period of the PKR party elections in April and May.”
“Of course, MACC did not state these details in its statement, because that would further validate what I am saying.”
“MACC did not specify what was being investigated, namely a low-cost apartment that must be purchased in cash at a below-market price.”
Rafizi stated that the timing of his conversation with Anwar can be verified through phone records, and this conversation coincided with the MACC investigation.
He explained that the reason he chose to reveal this incident at this time was to avoid being misunderstood as trying to play tricks during the party election period.
“If I had disclosed this matter at the time, the relevant authorities would have easily misconstrued it as a stunt during the contest.”
“At that time, people also did not fully understand the political dynamics behind the PKR elections or the weaknesses in the previous election system. Everything would have just been discarded as a sore loser’s tactics.”
Rafizi continued, now that he is no longer bound by cabinet and government regulations, he feels it is necessary to express his view at the right time.
He stated that after multiple incidents, the public is seeing growing controversy and doubts about the MACC’s independence and professional culture.
He stressed that the best way to safeguard MACC’s reputation and credibility is by changing its leadership.
“This is why I am raising this matter now, hoping that the Prime Minister (Anwar) will consider not continuing Azam Baki’s term.
“The MACC is an institution that must be protected, and it has contributed greatly, especially in exposing the 1MDB scandal; so many honest MACC officers made sacrifices, which led to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib being brought to justice.”
“Therefore, we must defend the MACC from within, so that nothing can cast doubt on the institution’s independence.”