KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 13): Eight PKR lawmakers led by former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli have called on the top leadership of DAP and Amanah to press Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to suspend Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and investigate allegations against him.
At a press conference on Friday, Rafizi singled out DAP, the largest party in the unity government by the number of lawmakers, saying its influence could compel the prime minister to take the matter seriously.
“DAP doesn’t have to wait six months to make a decision. This issue is blowing up right now. Use your responsibility, influence and leverage within the government to engage directly and put pressure on Datuk Seri Anwar,” Rafizi said.
DAP currently holds 40 parliamentary seats and had previously pledged to accelerate the reform agenda over the next six months, following its heavy defeat in last November’s Sabah election.
Rafizi said he and the seven other PKR lawmakers will begin writing to DAP and Amanah leaders next week to push for the suspension and an immediate independent probe.
The other PKR members of Parliament supporting this move are Wong Chen (Subang), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), S Kesavan (Sungai Siput), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng) and Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju).
Azam has been at the centre of controversy after Bloomberg reported earlier this week that he held shares above the limit allowed for civil servants in Velocity Capital Partner Bhd (KL:VELOCITY), a publicly listed financial services firm.
Azam acknowledged buying the shares in early 2025 and selling them in July, but maintained that he acted within the rules, declaring all financial and asset holdings through official channels.
Rafizi said the lawmakers will take a series of steps to ensure the Bloomberg allegations are not dismissed without an independent and transparent investigation.
Besides writing to DAP and Amanah leaders, they will also contact all government backbenchers and opposition MPs to seek support for suspending Azam and launching a probe. They urged MPs to return to their constituencies to brief residents on the allegations.
The group also plans to reach out to electoral reform body Bersih to propose a peaceful public assembly allowing citizens to express concern over alleged misconduct in the MACC.
Rafizi added that he will file a police report against Azam regarding Bloomberg’s claims that he interfered in a firearms case, allowing the police to investigate.
He urged the government, particularly the prime minister, to take the matter seriously and warned it would be “highly unfair” if the Pakatan Harapan coalition or the prime minister were blamed over allegations involving Azam.
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