THE PAS leadership has defended Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki, who faces a Securities Commission investigation after he said his brother used Azam’s central depository system account to buy shares.

However, the party’s youth wing has called for Azam to step aside.

Party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the issue was deliberately raised to affect the stability of the government.  

Meanwhile, PAS Youth urged the government to carry out an independent investigation into the revelation that Azam owned millions of shares in at least two companies trading on Bursa Malaysia, and his admission that he allowed his brother to use his trading account.

Takiyuddin said the person who raised the allegations should be the one responsible for proving the claims against Azam.

“The issue seems to have been deliberately raised to raise doubts among the people and at the same time to threaten the stability of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“With this, the burden of proof lies on those who made the allegations against the MACC chief commissioner, that they are well-founded.

“If not, it is just a reckless accusation,” Takiyuddin said in a statement.

Azam is reported to have acquired 2.15 million shares in Excel Force MSC Bhd in 2015, as well as 1.93 million shares in Gets Global Bhd the same year and 1.02 million shares in Gets Global the following year.

The MACC’s Anti-Corruption Advisory Board cleared Azam of any wrongdoing based on his explanation that the shares were later transferred to his brother Nasir, and as such there was no conflict of interest. Azam was director of the anti-graft agency’s investigations unit at the time.

Yesterday, the Securities Commission said it would be questioning Azam about the transactions.

However, PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said Azam must step aside until the investigation is completed and his name cleared.

“PAS Youth is closely following the issue, including involving top MACC officials who are seen to affect the credibility and commitment of the government in fighting corruption and strengthening the integrity.

“We take this issue seriously and it is an obligation to the government, especially to the leadership of the prime minister, to take immediate action and conduct an independent and open investigation,” Fadhli said in a statement, adding that it was important to ensure transparency, aside from proving the government’s seriousness in upholding the rule of law.

“PAS youth believes this matter should be taken seriously by the government to ward off negative perceptions of the government and the country, as well as ensure that integrity is maintained.”

Earlier today, Azam said he will co-operate with the SC in its investigation of the use of his trading account by his brother, The Star Online reported. – January 7, 2022.