Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki has reportedly been listed as holding 17.7 million shares in a financial services company, with a stake valued at about RM800,000 according to disclosures in Velocity Capital Bhd’s annual return. This far exceeds the RM100,000 limit on shareholdings in a single company permitted for civil servants. The revelation raises serious questions about Azam Baki’s integrity and public credibility. Authorities must immediately escalate investigations into this matter, and he should be removed from office if the claims are substantiated.

As the nation’s principal anti-corruption body, MACC must be led by a chief who maintains independence at all times, particularly in matters involving finances and potential conflicts of interest. Under the current system, the Chief Commissioner is directly appointed by the Prime Minister, a process that lacks sufficient checks and balances. The government should fulfil Pakatan Harapan’s election pledge to have the MACC Chief Commissioner appointed by Parliament and to require the MACC to report directly to Parliament in order to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Public institutions that wield state power, especially one as critical as MACC, must demonstrate clear independence and impartiality. Financial integrity is paramount, and any perceived conflict of interest is unacceptable. Pakatan Harapan must honour its reform commitments by ensuring that the anti-graft head is appointed through a parliamentary process rather than solely by the Prime Minister.

The repeated contract extensions granted to Azam Baki also warrant scrutiny. His appointment to effect on 9 March 2020 and his tenure has been extended three times despite ongoing controversies. These latest shareholding revelations further erode his credibility and, by extension, weaken public confidence in MACC as an institution tasked with combating corruption.

This is not the first time such concerns have arisen. In late 2021, Azam faced controversy over alleged excessive shareholdings and stated that the trading account in question belonged to his brother and was operated under his name. The latest disclosures of similar nature have once again raised questions about his integrity. According to reports, Azam holds approximately 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner Bhd. A 2024 government circular on the conduct of public officials states that civil servants may hold shares in Malaysian-incorporated companies only if the holdings do not exceed 5% of paid-up capital or RM100,000 in value, whichever is lower.

With shareholdings reportedly valued at nearly RM800,000, this appears to exceed the permitted limit for a civil servant in a single company. How the government responds will test its commitment to reform and institutional integrity. It is necessary to determine whether Azam Baki has breached civil service rules on share ownership and asset declaration, and a thorough investigation must be carried out to uphold principles of accountability and fairness.

This issue goes beyond the personal conduct of one individual. It concerns institutional credibility and the fulfilment of reform promises. If the allegations are proven, the MACC Chief Commissioner may have breached civil service regulations and should face appropriate disciplinary action or further investigation in accordance with the law.

Saw Yee Fung
MCA National Youth Secretary General

11 February 2026

-MCA Comm-