Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki has criticised those attempting to dictate the agency’s investigations into high-profile cases.
His comments follow calls for MACC to extend its corruption probe to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over allegations involving her former political aides.
Azam expressed frustration over public pressure, insisting that investigations are based on findings, not popular opinion.
“If we have to follow everything people say on social media, then better just close down MACC,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini.
“Who are you to tell us who to summon? Why should we listen to people who don’t even know the full details of the investigation? I can’t reveal everything we uncover, but some people like to jump to conclusions,” he added.
Azam stressed that the agency acts strictly according to legal requirements.
“We decide who to call based on what is necessary for our investigations. It doesn’t matter if it’s Kok or anyone else—we will investigate as required by the law,” he said.
Earlier this month, MACC arrested two of Kok’s former staff members who previously handled finances and constituency funds at her service centre before resigning last year. They were remanded as part of an investigation into alleged bribes related to the supply of interactive smart boards to several schools in Kuala Lumpur.
Kok has denied any involvement in the case, stating that she had nothing to do with the arrests. However, critics, including Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) president Ibrahim Ali, have questioned why MACC is not investigating the DAP leader alongside her former aides.
Ibrahim argued that Kok may have breached the MACC Act by failing to report her former staff to the authorities.