MCA, DAP offer to aid whistleblower facing legal threat from MACC chief
MCA and DAP are offering legal assistance to a whistleblower facing a legal threat from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
Azam (above), who is under pressure over his previous ownership of millions of shares in two public-listed companies, is demanding an apology and RM10 million from whistleblower Lalitha Kunaratnam for highlighting the share ownership.
DAP's Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, a lawyer by training, said his party is prepared to offer legal service on a pro bono basis.
"Kuala Lumpur DAP’s legal team offers its service to Lalitha on a pro bono basis to defend her case in court.
"Azam should not have issued the letter of demand (LOD) in the first place.
"He should have asked for a full investigation into the alleged conflict of interest accusation against him," Lim said in a statement.
The share ownership in 2015 and 2016 had raised questions on whether it was commensurate with his income as a public servant.
Azam claimed the shares were not his but were bought in his name by his younger brother. They have since been transferred to his brother.
However, the explanation attracted the attention of the Securities Commission for possible misuse of trading account.
'High-handed' lawsuit
MCA Youth spokesperson Alex Fong Kah Wei described the lawsuit as "high-handed".
"If Azam is certain of his innocence, he should voluntarily offer to suspend himself from duties and accept investigations by the relevant authority," he said.
Fong added that Azam's explanation had only substantiated suspicions rather than clearing the air.
Fong said the information provided by Lalitha is already publicly available.
"The legal proceeding does not in any way help to restore the image of MACC or Azam but paradoxically, scores another own-goal for himself and the graft-busting body," he added.
He said if Lalitha requires legal assistance, MCA Youth is prepared to help her.
