PUTRAJAYA: It is unnecessary to form a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the issue of the purchase of shares linked to the Malaysian-Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, says Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang.

       The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman said that the matter can be settled without having to form a RCI.

       "This is a simple matter, as one side says this, while we say another. So, it is up to the rakyat to decide what is the real situation," he told a press conference at the MACC headquarters on Wednesday (Jan 5).

       He added that he will be informing the board's findings on the issue.

       "I will convey this to the Prime Minister and it will be up to his discretion on what he wants to do next," he told a press conference at the MACC headquarters on Wednesday (Jan 5).

       He was asked to comment whether he would present the findings to the Prime Minister, as there are calls to clarify the matter, especially from the Opposition.

       "I think this is a serious matter and the rakyat wants to know it, including those in the grassroots," said Abu Zahar.

       He also hoped that the matter would not be politicised.

       Earlier, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki broke his silence and warned that he will take legal action against those who had defamed him over the share issues.

       He said action will also be taken against those who had tarnished his reputation and that of the MACC.