EXCLUSIVE: "The only person who can terminate me is Yang di-Pertuan Agong" - Azam Baki

SHAH ALAM: Tan Sri Azam Baki has no plans to resign as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner.

He said he was unbothered by calls for him to step down following allegations that he had interests and shares in several companies.

"I am very firm, I should not have to resign.

"But if I have to resign, the only person who can terminate me is Yang di-pertuan Agong," he told Sinar Daily exclusively on Tuesday (Jan 11).

Azam said the public can say or demand for whatever they want but he also had his own say to the matter.

He urged the public remain calm, stating that one day the truth will prevail.

"There will be a point where the public will know the truth.

"For me, I have followed the protocols (as a public servant) needed and hope people remain calm.

"I am not begging any parties to side me or not but I will reveal the truth one day when the time is right.

"For the time being, let the relevant stakeholders evaluate the case (his case)," he said.

Various groups, including non-governmental organisations and political parties, has urged Azam to step down as the MACC's image and credibility was at stake.

Many questioned Azam's presence and credibility on carrying out investigations if he himself was being probed.

Prior to this, allegations of Azam having interests and shareholding in several companies had gone viral on social media and had been reported by anti-corruption activist, Lalitha Kunaratnam.

In a special press conference on Jan 5, Azam told media members that he had no interest or benefits in the shares purchased.

Azam said had the shares were bought through the open market by his brother, Nasir Baki, using his own funds, and the shares of companies bought by his brother had nothing to do with the MACC's investigation.

Securities Commission Malaysia, on the same day, released a statement that they will be calling Azam for questioning in regards to this.

According to Section 25 of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act (SICDA), the SC said every securities account opened with a central depository must be in the name of the beneficial owner of the deposited securities or in the name of an authorised nominee.

The regulatory authority further wrote that Section 29A of Security Industry (Central Depository Act) 1991 stipulates that all dealings in securities shall be effected only by the beneficial owner of the securities or an authorised nominee.