KUALA LUMPUR (March 3): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday that the special task force investigating allegations of share ownership involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki may have its scope expanded to include "corporate mafia" allegations.

The committee, led by the attorney general, is expected to submit its report within one or two days, Anwar said.

In response to Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s question about his change in stance on Azam — compared to when he asked the MACC chief to take leave for a share ownership investigation under the Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob government — Anwar said his position remains unchanged, even with the new “corporate mafia” allegations.

“If you ask what the difference is, I can answer clearly: there is no difference. We should not prejudge the matter. Let the investigation establish the facts. Previously, when I raised concerns, I also called for a transparent investigation into both the share ownership issue and the 'corporate mafia' allegations. Neither matter has been closed,” he said during prime minister question time at the Dewan Rakyat.

“As for the form of investigation, I have already explained — we must follow the process. It is unfair to adopt a harsh position against one party when what is required is adherence to due procedure. In cases involving public officials, the proper process must be observed. In this instance, the scope has even been expanded beyond administrative procedures, which is why the attorney general is chairing it.

“The report will address key issues, including the share ownership matter and the allegations reported by Bloomberg, which the honourable member for Machang cited as authoritative — a view I do not share. Nevertheless, since allegations have been made, they must be examined.

“In short, my position remains consistent: investigate, but do so according to established rules.

“Under those rules, there are two approaches — first at the level of the attorney general, with the option to extend the probe. The Cabinet has already decided that the investigation will be broadened if it is found to be insufficient or does not fully cover the objections raised,” he said in his response in Dewan Rakyat during prime minister’s question time.

Anwar has been facing mounting pressure, including from allies within the Unity Government, to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations surrounding the MACC and Azam.

This follows two exposé reports by Bloomberg. One highlighted that Azam’s shareholding value in Main Market-listed Velocity Capital Partner Bhd (KL:VELOCITY) allegedly exceeded the amount permitted for a civil servant. Another alleged that the anti-graft agency was assisting a group of businessmen, dubbed a “corporate mafia”, in seizing control of public-listed companies.

Both Azam and MACC have denied allegations in the reports.

In response to a separate query from Klang MP Ganabatirau Veraman on the Bloomberg exposé on a “corporate mafia” network and the proposal for a RCI regarding the case, Anwar described the proposal for a RCI as premature.

“Firstly, the investigation led by the attorney general will be completed this week, within the next few days. So we will first assess whether there is justification or rationale to extend it, and in which areas further examination is needed.

“I am neither accepting nor rejecting the RCI at this stage. Let us follow the process. First, we will receive the report from the attorney general, which will not be delayed as he has informed me it will be ready within one to two days. Then, if there is a sound basis to proceed, we will extend it,” he said. 

Anwar further cautioned the public against giving undue weight to any single media outlet, particularly one allegedly linked to claims of a “plot to topple the government”.

“If there is basis, the matter will continue to be investigated. We do not probe the thousands of accusations made against leaders or public figures unless there is foundation,” he added.

Anwar said the government is also open to suggestions to strengthen monitoring mechanisms over the MACC, although existing controls are already in place.

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