'Azam could face jail if he doesn't comply with PSC subpoena'
Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang has cautioned that MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki could face jail for contempt if he snubs the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department.
This was after the PSC summoned Azam to appear before the panel next Wednesday over his controversial share ownership.
"Azam could be jailed for contempt of Parliament if he defies the parliamentary subpoena to appear before the PSC on the Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department on Jan 19 to clear himself of the conflict-of-interest allegations," Lim said in a statement.
Prior to being summoned, Azam had said that he was only answerable to MACC's advisory panel.
"Azam was foolishly wrong when he said he was responsible only to the MACC Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) when he owes a higher responsibility to Parliament and the people of Malaysia to be honest and upright as MACC chief commissioner," Lim said.
He added that the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 is very clear that Parliament can punish Azam for contempt if he defies the PSC.
"Azam should not test the powers of Parliament to punish him for parliamentary contempt if he defies the PSC on the Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department’s subpoena to appear before it next Wednesday to clear himself of the conflict-of-interest allegations," said the DAP lawmaker.
Who is leading the probe?
Lim also questioned who in the MACC is heading the investigations into Azam after Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced a probe was ongoing.
Azam came under the spotlight over his ownership of 1,930,000 shares in Gets Global Berhad (previously KBES Berhad) on April 30, 2015, worth around RM772,000 at the time.
His shareholding in Gets Global Berhad went down to 1,029,500 as of March 31, 2016, worth around RM340,000 at the time.
He also held 2,156,000 warrants in Excel Force MSC Berhad in March 2016.
The share ownership in 2015 and 2016 had raised questions on whether it was commensurate with his income as a public servant.
In a special press conference on Jan 5, Azam did not dispute the ownership of the shares but claimed they were bought in his name by his younger brother. They have since been transferred to his brother.