PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan should stop undermining government institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Securities Commission (SC) as the constant criticisms on civil servants aren't just demoralising but unpatriotic, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (pic).

       "Civil servants are the government’s pillar and everyone should ensure that all government agencies carrying out their duties and responsibilities are protected from those with vested interests," said the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president.

       He said the SC had on Jan 18 cleared MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki following its findings, which could not ascertain if there was any breach of Section 25(4) of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991 (SICDA).

       The law provides that a trading account must be opened in the name of the beneficial owner or authorised nominee.

       "Therefore I hope those who insist on criticising the case will abide by SC’s decision and respect its authority as it has carried out its duties without any interference.

       "In fact, it was at Pakatan's urging that SC had investigated Azam. But after SC made a decision, it was questioned instead," said Ahmad Faizal in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 19) afternoon.

       On Tuesday (Jan 18), the SC announced in a statement that it was not able to determine whether there was a breach of regulations in relation to Azam's share trading account.

       The announcement received backlash from Opposition leaders, with many demanding for more details from the commission.

       On Wednesday (Jan 19) evening, the SC issued another statement to say that evidence gathered in its inquiry on Azam's share trading account showed that the MACC chief was the named account holder and had control of the said account.

       "Azam operated the account that he had opened, in that he had given instructions to buy, sell and transfer securities from the said account.

       "Therefore the SC arrived at the decision that there was no breach of Section 25(4) of the SICDA," it said.

       The controversy involved a substantial amount of shares bought from Gets Global Bhd and Excel Force MSC Bhd between 2015 and 2016 when Azam was the MACC director of investigations.

       Azam has denied wrongdoing and said he will continue to carry out his duties as MACC chief commissioner following the decision by the SC that he did not commit any offences.