Bribery allegation: Aswa questions Azam Baki's actions

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Women's Aspiration Organisation (Aswa) has questioned Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki for making premature statements before conducting a thorough investigation.

This is following his statements recently on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's alleged statement deemed to have elements of corruption.

Wan Azliana Wan Adnan, the chairwoman, said that Azam's statement should be impartial and not favour anyone, especially in matters related to bribery allegations.

"I am surprised because he (Azam) has made a decision without an investigation. He should have conducted an investigation, gathered evidence, and then made a decision.

"When a premature decision like this is made, it appears biased because the words mentioned by Zahid clearly imply corruption," she told Sinar Harian on Sunday.

Zahid announced allocations to three youth associations in Terengganu last Friday, which Azam deemed did not constitute corruption.

The Umno President had announced allocations to the Central Terengganu Development Youth Association (Ketengah), the Terengganu State Youth Council, and the state's motorcycle club, which Azam saw as a legitimate initiative for the people from the federal ministry.

Azam explained that MACC views the allocation as an initiative that should be made for the people by the federal ministry.

On the other hand, Wan Azliana also urged for the MACC to be placed under Parliament so that the anti-corruption enforcement agency could carry out its duties without interference from any party.

She added that the commission should perform its responsibilities and tasks independently, without being influenced or involved in any interference from parties such as the executive authority or political influence.

"Let the appointment of the MACC Chief Commissioner be determined by Parliament," she said.