Anti-financial crime body says Azam Baki’s board role is in ‘individual capacity’, not tied to MACC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC) today insisted that Tan Sri Azam Baki was appointed to its advisory board in his individual capacity, and not for his former position as MACC chief commissioner.

In a statement today, the NFCC also said the appointment was made with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Therefore, his membership in the NFCC advisory board is not tied to the position of chief commissioner of the MACC and remains in force until the appointment expires, unless terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” the NFCC said.

The NFCC also clarified that Azam’s term is valid for three years, running from September 2024 to September 2027.

This defence follows a challenge from opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who questioned the justification for Azam’s continued involvement given that he is currently under investigation.

The issue gained traction after a post on the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) Facebook page showed Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar chairing an NFCC advisory board meeting on June 30 with Azam in attendance. The AGC maintained that the session focused on inter-agency cooperation and financial crime prevention.

The NFCC, operating under the Prime Minister’s Department, said that Azam’s presence at the meeting was fully compliant with the law, as he remains a lawful member of the board.

The controversy stems from allegations over Azam’s shareholdings during his tenure at the MACC, which led to the formation of a three-member task force, led by Dusuki, to investigate.