Azam Baki to meet Defence Ministry over corruption, governance issues

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki is set to meet the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Wednesday to discuss issues related to corruption and governance within the ministry.

Azam said the meeting follows a statement by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khalid Nordin, who expressed the ministry’s commitment to eradicating corruption and addressing weaknesses in governance.

“MACC welcomes this stance and is ready to work with the ministry in accordance with Section 7C of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which empowers MACC to provide advisory services and conduct studies on governance weaknesses in any organisation,” he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today. 

Azam said the courtesy visit will include meetings with the Defence Minister and the ministry’s Secretary-General to discuss several key matters, including issues currently under MACC investigation.

“Discussions will also focus on the direction and cleansing measures within the Malaysian Armed Forces, particularly based on investigation findings and information previously gathered by MACC,” he said.

He added that MACC’s focus remains on corruption, governance issues and system improvements within the Defence Ministry, especially involving procurement processes and related matters under the commission’s jurisdiction.

“Internal ministry issues that do not involve corruption can be addressed by the ministry itself, while MACC will concentrate on its responsibility to assist the government in correcting any weaknesses or shortcomings that have been identified,” he said.

Azam stressed that the visit is not merely procedural, but part of MACC’s role in strengthening integrity and good governance across government agencies.