Who watches Malaysia’s watchdog? Controversy over anti-corruption chief strains reform agenda

In Malaysia, one question about corruption keeps being asked by the public no matter who is in power: who investigates the investigators?Fresh allegations over the investments of the country’s top anti-corruption official have brought that conundrum back into sharp focus, with critics warning that trust in key institutions – and in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reform promises – is on the line.The controversy centres on Azam Baki, chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), after Bloomberg News alleged last week, citing corporate filings, that he held shares above limits set for civil servants. The outlet later published a separate investigation alleging that MACC officers had helped businessmen use the agency in corporate disputes – accusations the commission has rejected.Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Azam Baki. Photo: SCMPMeanwhile, Azam denied wrongdoing and said he was ready to cooperate with the investigation, welcoming a “transparent, independent and objective process” to establish facts “based on evidence and in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law”.He added: “A culture of accountability cannot be selective or seasonal.”