PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki 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.

       However, Azam did not give details of who he intends to take action against but pointed out that there are “interested groups” with a bad agenda against the organisation.

       “They are using all possible avenues to erode the people’s trust in us by targeting the chief commissioner’s institution as a target of their attack,” he said.

       “We know who they are and we know their agenda,” added Azam when addressing the press on Wednesday (Jan 4).

       On the issue of shares, Azam maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing nor was there a conflict of interest on his part and had explained to the anti-corruption advisory board panel on the matter.

       “I explained to the panel that my trading account was used by my brother for his shares tradings and I have no interest nor have any part in this. The shares were bought in the open market and my brother had financed the purchases on his own,” said Azam.

       “The shares of the companies which he purchased were not involved in any investigations carried out by the MACC. All the shares had been transferred to my brother's own trading account,” he added.

       The top graft buster also answered allegations that he controlled several companies, describing the accusations as an “outright and total lie”.

       “This accusation is meant to create a negative perception towards me as the chief commissioner and also the MACC,” he said.

       Azam said he is aware of public concern over issues involving the commission of late, which has made all the good work and successes of the Commission seem pale in comparison.

       “I am aware and humbled that this is among the challenges that the chief commissioner of the MACC has to face,” said Azam.

       “I give the people my commitment and pledge that during my tenure as the head of MACC, I will carry out my duties and responsibilities that have been entrusted to me to the best of my ability,” he added.

       “I will continue to lead the organisation to become a body that is professional in its actions, credible and of high integrity,” said Azam

       More to come