IT is the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s duty to investigate allegations of corruption, more so when such claims involve a civil servant. Money laundering laws were enacted specifically for this purpose.

Although there has been no official reports or a response from MACC chief Azam Baki regarding the allegations against him, I am sure he would want a thorough investigation or an independent inquiry to be held into the claims as soon as possible to clear his name.

After all, MACC would not hesitate to probe into such allegations involving other people, especially if they are cases of vital interest. That Azam is the head of the MACC makes this a serious as well as a high-profile case.

It has been the hallmark of MACC to investigate anyone without fear or favour and it is its core business to ask questions of suspiciously large amounts of money found in the possession of a person, especially a civil servant, who sits in an influential and powerful position. 

All public servants in positions of power are constantly mindful that they can be subjected to these enquiries anytime there is an iota of suspicion that they have misused their power and office for personal gain. It is part and parcel of accountability and responsibility. 

For those who have not committed any offence, they will embrace and cooperate in the investigative process as a probe works not only to incriminate but to exonerate.

In exoneration, the aggrieved party will have civil recourse apart from redress for the criminality of false allegations. It is imperative that Azam personally accelerates the investigation process into his business because the longer the allegations are left unexplained, the more people will speculate.
 
This will lead to an erosion of public trust and confidence in the MACC apart from gross damage to its image and reputation, including those of the people he leads.

It must further be emphasised that he leads an organisation that has applied the same due process to everyone else in similar situations, regardless of position and status. One would expect that he would be the first to allow the law now to take its course.

An independent investigative team would be ideal but I believe the police would also be more than capable of investigating the case as they have ample experience in following the money trail. A police report should be considered by all the connected parties, including the aggrieved. –  December 31, 2021.

* G. Selvakumar reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.