KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Tan Sri Azam Baki amid renewed scrutiny over his past shareholdings, urging critics to consider the anti-graft head’s explanation before calling for his removal.
“The man is doing his job, why sack him? Read his explanation. This is a sickness, why insult someone who is working? It is wrong. Listen to the explanations first,” the New Straits Times quoted Anwar as saying at a Chinese New Year function last night.
He stressed that any judgement must be based on facts and due process, not speculation or political pressure.
The controversy centres on Azam’s previous shareholdings in Velocity Capital Bhd, which critics allege may have breached civil service regulations. Azam has maintained that the shares were properly declared and managed in accordance with procedure.
It was also reported that Azam has instructed his lawyers to issue a letter of demand to Bloomberg over a report on the matter, describing it as misleading and defamatory.
However, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said she was “shocked” by Anwar’s remarks, warning that they could set a troubling precedent.
“I never expected the prime minister to make such a statement. Does it mean civil servants can do whatever they want if they are hardworking?” she was quoted by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) as saying.
“Such statements are very dangerous as they involve questions of institutional trust, misconduct and double standards among civil servants. To me, this is a very serious matter. I insist that the government respond responsibly.”
The Bersatu lawmaker said the issue cannot be brushed aside simply because the shares have since been disposed of.
“What about before that? Isn’t that a problem? He held those shares. Yes, not for long. But he still held them.
“There are many questions which Azam has to answer,” said the Masjid Tanah MP. – February 12, 2026