MCA Youth has called on the government to clarify reports that former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has allegedly been appointed as an adviser to the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
MCA national Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan said the reported appointment raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reform.
“Reports that former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has allegedly been appointed as an adviser to the NFCC are deeply concerning and require a clear explanation from the government,” he said in a statement.
The controversy surrounding Azam stems from allegations involving his shareholdings in publicly listed companies, which sparked widespread public debate and calls for greater scrutiny of anti-corruption institutions.
More recently, civil society groups and political figures have called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations linked to the so-called “corporate mafia” controversy and Azam’s alleged connection to the matter.
Chong said the reported appointment is particularly troubling given that calls for an independent inquiry have yet to be addressed.
“At a time when civil society groups and members of the public continue to call for an RCI into allegations surrounding the so-called corporate mafia and Azam’s alleged connection to the controversy, the reported appointment raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency and institutional integrity,” he remarked.
Chong went on to argue that public confidence in the government’s reform agenda could be undermined if individuals who remain the subject of public scrutiny are allowed to assume influential positions without independent investigations or public findings.
“The battle against graft cannot be selective or based on political convenience. Principles of integrity and accountability must be upheld consistently, regardless of who is involved,” he stressed.
Chong also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the reported appointment.
“If the reports are accurate and the appointment is legitimate, the government should have no reason to avoid openly explaining the process, criteria and justification behind the decision,” he said.
He added that public silence on the matter would only deepen doubts and perceptions that important questions are being avoided.
According to Chong, the government must address several key questions, including whether Azam has officially been appointed as an NFCC adviser, what criteria were used in the appointment process, and the rationale behind the decision.
“If no such appointment exists, the government should explain why it continues to reject calls for an independent investigation,” he added.
Chong said the unity government has repeatedly pledged to uphold transparency, integrity and institutional reform, and should demonstrate those commitments through action.
“Malaysians do not want silence or decisions made behind closed doors. They deserve transparency, accountability and answers that can withstand public scrutiny,” he said.
He added that only through open and transparent engagement can the government safeguard the credibility of anti-corruption institutions and restore public confidence in its reform agenda. ‒ July 2, 2026
Main image: The Edge Malaysia
