Kuala Lumpur, 3 March 2026 – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament on Tuesday that a special committee investigating allegations against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief will submit its findings soon, a development that may shape whether a broader inquiry into the agency is warranted.
The three-member panel, led by senior government officials and tasked with probing chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholdings and other related concerns, is expected to complete its report within the next few days, Anwar said. Until the committee’s findings are presented to Cabinet, it is “premature” to decide on establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the MACC.
Context of the Probe and Public Pressure
The probe was launched following widespread public scrutiny after a series of media reports alleged that Azam held corporate shares beyond legal limits for public officials and that members of the anti-graft agency had engaged in conduct inconsistent with its mandate. The MACC and Azam have strongly denied wrongdoing.
Calls for greater transparency and accountability have grown louder, including from major partners within the ruling coalition and civil society groups pushing for an independent RCI. These calls reflect concerns about institutional credibility and the independence of Malaysia’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
Anwar’s Position on Due Process
Anwar emphasised that the government is committed to due process and that any decision on a royal inquiry will be made only after the panel’s report has been reviewed. The prime minister’s remarks suggest the Cabinet will weigh both the panel’s conclusions and broader political considerations before deciding whether to escalate the matter.
In Parliament, Anwar also stressed that the government has not dismissed the RCI proposal outright, but will follow established procedures before moving forward with any formal inquiry.
