Azalina: Govt open to considering release of full report on Azam Baki shareholding probe

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — The government is prepared to consider a recommendation to release the full report of a special committee investigating allegations concerning former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholding.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said disclosure would be considered if necessary and subject to appropriate deliberations, Berita Harian reported. 

She said any decision would have to take into account existing legal provisions, particularly those concerning the protection of personal information, confidentiality of investigation documents and records of asset declarations, as well as the interests of relevant parties.

“Any announcement will be made by the Chief Secretary to the Government’s Office, as stated in its March 31 media statement, should there be any developments or official decisions concerning this matter that warrant informing the public.

“The issue of asset ownership and declarations, including Azam’s shareholdings, has been examined by the Special Investigation Committee established on February 13, while the same question was previously raised by the Honourable Member on June 25.

“The committee has completed its investigation independently, transparently and professionally, and its findings have been presented to the Cabinet,” she said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament portal.

She was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on the findings of the special committee investigating allegations of Azam’s shareholding, possible action against him and whether the government was prepared to disclose the report.