DAP MP's warning: If Azam stays, Madani goes
Alyaa Alhadjri & Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Published: Feb 24, 2026 2:39 PM
Updated: 7:01 PM
PARLIAMENT | A backbencher debating the Auditor-General’s Report today warned that the government risks public backlash unless it probes allegations involving the MACC and its chief commissioner, Azam Baki.
In echoing calls for the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI), Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka) also reiterated a demand for Azam’s resignation in the wake of two major scandals.
“Azam must resign. He has to go. Either he goes, or we (government) go. That is my message,” Khoo (above) stressed.
“If we allow him (Azam) to continue as MACC chief commissioner, voters will punish us in the next general election.
“My debate time has ended, but let our time as the government not end after the next election,” he said.
Earlier, Khoo said the RCI should investigate alleged excessive share ownership by Azam, as well as another allegation reported by Bloomberg about collusion between a “corporate mafia” and an MACC investigation unit known as Section D.
Published: Feb 24, 2026 2:39 PM
Updated: 7:01 PM
PARLIAMENT | A backbencher debating the Auditor-General’s Report today warned that the government risks public backlash unless it probes allegations involving the MACC and its chief commissioner, Azam Baki.
In echoing calls for the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI), Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka) also reiterated a demand for Azam’s resignation in the wake of two major scandals.
“Azam must resign. He has to go. Either he goes, or we (government) go. That is my message,” Khoo (above) stressed.
“If we allow him (Azam) to continue as MACC chief commissioner, voters will punish us in the next general election.
“My debate time has ended, but let our time as the government not end after the next election,” he said.
Earlier, Khoo said the RCI should investigate alleged excessive share ownership by Azam, as well as another allegation reported by Bloomberg about collusion between a “corporate mafia” and an MACC investigation unit known as Section D.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki
He said the move was necessary to restore trust in anti-corruption institutions.
“We want to reassure everyone, including civil servants, that when they perform their duties, they must follow the law and regulations, and that authorities will take action against wrongdoing.
“But in this matter, we must give confidence to all parties that the government is truly serious,” said the DAP MP.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, told Malaysiakini in an interview that the party will propose establishing an RCI at this Friday’s cabinet meeting to investigate the alleged “corporate mafia”.
He said the move was necessary to restore trust in anti-corruption institutions.
“We want to reassure everyone, including civil servants, that when they perform their duties, they must follow the law and regulations, and that authorities will take action against wrongdoing.
“But in this matter, we must give confidence to all parties that the government is truly serious,” said the DAP MP.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, told Malaysiakini in an interview that the party will propose establishing an RCI at this Friday’s cabinet meeting to investigate the alleged “corporate mafia”.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke
He said the proposal follows a Feb 13 cabinet decision to set up a special task force led by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar to probe Azam’s shareholding controversy.
Loke’s call has also attracted rare support from MCA president Wee Ka Siong.
Second shareholding controversy
Khoo further noted that the task force, which summoned Azam on Feb 19, is only scrutinising the compliance and regularity of the 17.7 million shares purchased for around RM1.5 million.
“Bloomberg is an international media organisation. Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranking recently improved by three places, but I worry it may fall next year because of these two reports.
“Until today, there has been no action by the government regarding the alleged corporate mafia,” he said.
Loke’s call has also attracted rare support from MCA president Wee Ka Siong.
Second shareholding controversy
Khoo further noted that the task force, which summoned Azam on Feb 19, is only scrutinising the compliance and regularity of the 17.7 million shares purchased for around RM1.5 million.
“Bloomberg is an international media organisation. Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranking recently improved by three places, but I worry it may fall next year because of these two reports.
“Until today, there has been no action by the government regarding the alleged corporate mafia,” he said.
Khoo further argued that the shareholding allegations were not unprecedented, citing a similar controversy involving Azam’s shareholding that surfaced in 2022.
“This is the second time such matters have been exposed. I urge the government to take firm action,” he said.
Azam has denied wrongdoing and said his transactions were properly declared to the Public Service Department, while the MACC said it would not entertain “malicious” foreign media.
Azam is also seeking RM100 million in damages from Bloomberg for the alleged harm to his reputation and professional standing.
‘Bipartisan backing’
Pendang MP Awang Hashim later voiced support for Khoo’s proposal.
“For the first time, I support Kota Melaka’s call to establish an RCI,” he said.
“Whether you (Azam) go or we (government) go - I support it,” said the PAS lawmaker.
Pendang MP Awang Hashim
Separately, Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang) proposed that the RCI be led by a respected senior figure, such as former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who was also previously recommended to lead the government taskforce.
“Even though there is already a special task force, it is not sufficient. Its scope is too narrow.
“I propose this (RCI) to the current government. If they do not listen to this suggestion, I don’t know what else to say,” lamented the veteran PKR MP.
Hassan also contrasted alleged delays in probing Azam with swift action against Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who is now the subject of an MACC probe into allegations that he had rushed through a RM1.1 billion government deal with British semiconductor giant, Arm Holdings.
”If gold bars, stacks of cash, luxury bags, gemstone rings, or lockets had been found at a safe house for Pandan (Rafizi), that would be a different matter.
“But there were none. Yet based on just one or two reports, action was taken so quickly.
“It is not because he is my friend - no. But justice must truly be seen to be done. The MACC must not be turned into a tool,” stressed Hassan.
This debate comes amid renewed scrutiny of MACC leadership and ongoing debate over institutional reforms to strengthen oversight and public confidence in anti-corruption enforcement.
Separately, Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang) proposed that the RCI be led by a respected senior figure, such as former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who was also previously recommended to lead the government taskforce.
“Even though there is already a special task force, it is not sufficient. Its scope is too narrow.
“I propose this (RCI) to the current government. If they do not listen to this suggestion, I don’t know what else to say,” lamented the veteran PKR MP.
Hassan also contrasted alleged delays in probing Azam with swift action against Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who is now the subject of an MACC probe into allegations that he had rushed through a RM1.1 billion government deal with British semiconductor giant, Arm Holdings.
”If gold bars, stacks of cash, luxury bags, gemstone rings, or lockets had been found at a safe house for Pandan (Rafizi), that would be a different matter.
“But there were none. Yet based on just one or two reports, action was taken so quickly.
“It is not because he is my friend - no. But justice must truly be seen to be done. The MACC must not be turned into a tool,” stressed Hassan.
This debate comes amid renewed scrutiny of MACC leadership and ongoing debate over institutional reforms to strengthen oversight and public confidence in anti-corruption enforcement.
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