MALAYSIAN Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki must immediately withdraw his defamation suit against a journalist who revealed his ownership of shares in public-listed companies, said the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

CIJ executive director Wathshlah Naidu in a statement today said Azam must also stop harassing Lalitha Kunaratnam.

“This move is seen as a form of intimidation and reprisal against a journalist, who in good faith provided evidence- and research-based news articles on a matter of public interest.

“This defamation suit calls into question the role of Azam, as a public official, who, in his professional capacity, should be working towards the elimination of corruption and upholding rights to report news related to said matters.”

Wathshlah’s comment comes after the chief commissioner filed a defamation suit against the journalist yesterday, seeking RM10 million in damages and a public apology for her articles.

Lalitha revealed in two articles that Azam, then investigations director, acquired 2.15 million shares in Excel Force MSC Bhd in 2015, and 1.93 million shares in Gets Global Bhd the same year and 1.02 million shares the following year – he may not have declared them.

The MACC Anti-Corruption Advisory Board has cleared Azam of any wrongdoing, after the latter said it was his brother who bought the shares using his trading account.

Wathshlah said the government must guarantee a safe and enabling environment for the media by reviewing and amending defamation laws.

She said these laws are often used as harassment and retaliation against reports critical of public institutions or individuals holding public office.

The Whistle-blower Protection Act 2010 must be reviewed and its scope of protection expanded and strengthened without delay, she added.

She also said the government must investigate the allegation against Azam and uphold the integrity of the anti-graft agency and the state. – January 13, 2022.