Malaysia has formed a special committee to investigate allegations that the head of the country’s anti-corruption agency owned shares beyond the limits for public officials, as calls mount for him to step aside after a damaging wave of accusations.
The controversy erupted after Bloomberg news agency, citing corporate filings, alleged on Tuesday that Azam Baki, chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), held shares in an investment holding company that far exceeded the 100,000 ringgit (US$25,600) limit allowed for public servants.
Azam, who has denied Bloomberg’s allegations and launched a multimillion-dollar civil damages claim, said he welcomed any “transparent, independent” probe.
But clamour for his resignation has mounted with a rally planned for Sunday in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
As head of the MACC, Azam has sweeping powers to investigate corruption, seize assets, freeze bank accounts and order arrests.
The agency has in recent years pursued major investigations involving former prime ministers and senior politicians.