C4 Centre demands Azam's removal

KUALA LUMPUR - The Center for Combating Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) has demanded the immediate removal of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, following his statement defending deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi against election corruption allegations.

C4 Centre insisted in a statement that Azam be replaced as part of an immediate reform to ensure MACC's independence in carrying out its tasks.

"Urgent reforms must be implemented to ensure MACC's independence including the immediate replacement of the chief commissioner, as Azam has repeatedly shown that MACC's credibility has declined under his leadership," the group said yesterday.

The group argued that contrary to Azam's statement, there are legal grounds for the MACC to investigate Zahid's recent announcement of federal grants for Terengganu youth groups, as there are indications that the amount may be increased depending on the state election results.

C4 Centre cited Section 10 of the Electoral Offences Act of 1954, which defines 'corrupt practices' including offering or promising any money or additional benefits to any voter.

"Which can be interpreted in a way that covers Zahid's actions," according to the group.

During a ministerial event in Terengganu on June 28, the Rural and Regional Development minister, Zahid announced the allocation of RM250,000 to the Terengganu Youth Council and RM200,000 to motorcycle teams across the state.

Immediately following that, Zahid asked the youths in attendance to vote for the "blue and red wave" in the Aug 12 state polls.

C4 Centre also pointed out that Azam had stated that there is no need to publish new guidelines to restrict government help and allocations during elections.

"Azam is correct when he says that Section 10 of the Election Offences Act sets out the standards that election candidates must follow.

"However, his belief that Zahid's actions did not violate any law, without conducting any investigation into the matter, reflects a fundamental misreading of the law he cited," the C4 Centre stated.

According to the group, certain offences under the election law are also considered "prescribed offences" under the MACC Act 2009, under which the commission is entitled to use all investigative authorities at its disposal.

"Azam's statement that the provision approved by the federal government does not have an element of corruption has no legal basis, and is contrary to the spirit of the two acts, which is to combat the practice of corruption in its various forms," the group claimed.

Following that, the Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (Muda) president, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman accused Zahid of "normalising corruption."

Azam allegedly later stated that the grant was not a violation because the federal government approved it and hence had no element of corruption. - AWANI